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Mortality

 19-Aug-2008
Posted At : 11:22 AM | Posted By : Russell
Related Categories: Russell Rants
Mood: Meh
Now reading: Steven Erikson - Toll the Hounds

 

I'm watching the Olympic men's triathlon. Great stuff - men in their prime competing on a combination of strength, stamina and strategy. Highly entertaining, inspirational, and an encouragement to extend one's own horizons.

Then the ads hit. We get three ads in a row: the first is a young fellow suffering mouth and throat cancer because he'd smoked. DON'T SMOKE. The second is a family dad who crashes his car with his family because he fell asleep at the wheel. DON'T DRIVE TIRED. The third is World Vision asking us to give to children dying of hunger. GIVE TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE.

So what does this weight of mortality do to us as viewers? Might it not crush the spirit out of us? Don't get me wrong: each of those ads is worthy, but together they undo the inspiration granted by the Olympics. What do you think?

Comments (4)

Comments

They're just getting in on the inspirational high... No point in placing those ads in a depressing movie, people would just decide it wasn't worth it and smoke even more *grin*.

Posted By Jo Kasper / Posted At 8/19/08 6:14 PM

Perhaps people think I'm displaying rather selfish behaviour, moaning that my enjoyment is being spoiled by these undoubtedly important matters?

Posted By russellk / Posted At 8/22/08 8:42 AM

No, they're just ignoring you *grin*.

Posted By Jo Kasper / Posted At 8/23/08 8:47 AM

Ignoring me? Inconceivable!

Posted By russellk / Posted At 8/23/08 3:42 PM