POST-INTERNET
For those born after the birth of electronic computers, please take a few minutes to research the origins (oh go ahead and Google it!) of the terms “bug” and “gone viral”. Hint: they didn’t come from electronic media.
PARADOX
It is clear, if one chooses to use thought and logic, that we are in the current health/economic/educational/environmental/psychological/spiritual/political/cultural crisis because too many choices were made on emotions rather than rational ideas. A path diverged in a wood, and too many times, too many people chose the psycho-path. We have the choice again, to react out of flight or fight fears or to act in ways that will begin to establish a new healthier, interconnected world in which to live.
PONDERING
Part of that new world will involve enhanced health care. Symbols are important to bring people together and focus their energy. While replacing PPE’s, clinics and other health care items, please put the Caduceus back where it belongs. I became interested in mythology in elementary school and the interest has continued into my collegiate studies, my professional training and my work as a therapist.
In Greco-Roman mythology, the winged staff with two serpents is the image of Hermes/Mercury, the misbehaving messenger of the gods - the Caduceus. The symbol for healing was the Staff of Asklepios, the physician; it is a staff with a single snake entwined on its length. The confusion of the two is recent. During the American Civil War, ambulance crews carried a Caduceous, showing they were messengers/ non-combatants. People came to think of the symbol as related to the associated medical activities, rather than peace-keeping. I would like to see us use both, as appropriate to each’s ancient meaning. [NB - many medical groups and parts of the world do use them accurately.]
PANDERING
It is obvious in public and private discourse, that some people chose the path that has road signs saying: “Caution – Apocalypse & Rapture Ahead”. My take is that when the Rapture occurs, those who truly believe in a G*d who would be so parochial in whom to choose to save, will be taken up into the clouds. Then those of us left will all at once hear a voice, sounding like our best Great Grandma saying; “OK My Children, I took care of them. Keep on loving me, yourself and each other.”
POSTED
From the sign outside a church in New Jersey: “Jesus rode an ass into Jerusalem. Keep yours at home.”
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