By Bob Bridge, Columnist
Ever felt as if you were an extra in an Oliver Stone movie?
Or, playing a minor role in a soap opera?
I’ve never paid much attention to soap operas, those scripted TV programs that capture loyal viewers and inspire them to arrange their schedules around the show’s magnetic episodes.
My grandmother was addicted to “As the World Turns.” My mom was hooked on “Days of Our Lives,” while Becky, my sister, preferred the exploits of Luke and Laura on “General Hospital.”
My mom and her sisters burned up the phone lines gossiping about their daytime drama. This was a very big deal back then.
Occasionally, I watched an episode with my mom. Alas, nary a meaningful morsel of reality. Too dramatic. Too outlandish.
Soap operas allow folks to live vicariously through the adventures (or misadventures) of others. Warning: It requires somewhat of a fertile imagination.
After retirement Dad spent lunch watching “Days” with my mom. One beautiful Sunday afternoon in Florida I returned to the condo after a long walk. My parents were seated next to each other watching the newest episode.
Dad turned from the screen toward his sunburned son and boldly proclaimed, “Bob, that little blonde is so smart and attractive. She would be perfect for you!”
After a few seconds to regroup, I looked him squarely in the eye. “Maybe,” I responded. “Unfortunately, she’s not real.”
They were clearly obsessed.
Hey, it could have been worse. They could have guzzled bourbon or, heaven forbid, injected meth.
Now, social media is the dominant force in our lives. Most folks underestimate the number of hours they spend surfing the web. It’s ... obsessive.
Why are we so intensely interested in the personal lives of others? Shouldn’t WE be doing things?
How much of what we read is true? Do you have faith in what you’re consuming?
Is it often hard to interpret, jumbled and blurred?
I sense something epic is going down. But, is it real? Or fabricated?
So much drama.
Stay tuned.
Let me check my phone...
Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.
Contact Columnist Bob Bridge at 812-276-9646 or bbbbbridge@gmail.com.
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