Ode to Popular Outrageous Communication
Social Media understands that popularity rules to optimize
Profits through engagement by confounding our participation…
By rewarding outrage that draws a crowd of prurient peepers,
The crowd that creates a culture inspired by leading influencers,
More notorious, most outrageous, amplifying gamification,
Demoting the actual human condition to fatuous memes…
Rubbernecking to watch the newest bachelorette pinup
Cattle-calling a virile herd, lip smacking for nightly loyalty.
We must not seek meaning at the expense of our civilization;
Mass media propaganda cannot be our communication,
Set our ideology or radiate our markets; so, when leaders fail
Then we must reward our own thoughtfulness and responsibilities.
Rising tides lift all boats, life rafts and even destroyers;
But you are not a boat, nor a bot … be an authentic self.
More Bittersweet Odes When Normal is Enigma by Annemarie Berukoff
