Oil, Smoke and Mirrors

Usually, I do my best thinking and writing at night, but since school started, I haven't had a moments peace. And for some reason, even though I've been taking my pills, my sleep cycle has already gone haywire... *sigh* Welcome to a new semester at college.

I apologize for the lateness of this post.

The topic for today happens to be about the movie Oil, Smoke and Mirrors that we watched during our first session of Critical Perspectives.

I can't say I was particularly upset or moved by the movie since the opinions and views expressed in it are not new to me. I've heard them all before, and I know I'll hear them again and again. If I were to describe one emotion that I experience when I run into views like those expressed in the movie, it would be frustration. Everybody has an agenda, I understand that, but in my mind, there is not enough literature/media readily available and in the public view that examines both sides of an issue. Intellectually, I understand that sensationalism sells, and that you can't make a name for yourself, or get interview on CNN, David Letterman, etc... without having a topic that stands out. I just wish it didn't have to be that way. Go ahead, say something different, but back it up, and at least acknowledge the other side.

Give me a reason to believe you and not the other side. I don't have to believe a word you say, just because you made a movie, and got some people with degrees to support your claims. I'm a mathematical artist. I think outside the box, but I also want cold hard facts, and a fair and well balanced argument. I realize nobody is completely unbiased, everybody has their own slant. I know I do. But that doesn't mean I can't look at someone else's viewpoint.