We are not the Romans

[javasaurus]

Ya know the Romans? Those advanced people of ancient times that unified much of Europe, and brought us paved roads, aqueducts, and tootsie rolls? Their taste in entertainment was violent, bloody, and realistic. When they performed Oedipus, they used slaves in the title roll and forced him to actually gouge his eyes out. They believed death scenes should include, well, death. Everyone knows that they had spectacles of animals vs. people, with the animals usually winning, and gladiatorial combats. Did you know they would sometimes fill a colosseum with water and stage ship-to-ship combat to the death? It seems to me startling that such an advanced, dominant culture, with its long-lasting marvels of architecture and art, could be so barbaric in their entertainment values. What was the reason?

At least we can take comfort in knowing that we've moved beyond that. Can you imagine what kinds of reality-based spectacles we'd have if our advanced modern technology and art was influenced by such barbarism? But we have risen above the ancient fascination with experiencing pain and death and fear vicariously. Our fictional horrors yield a similar (if perhaps diminished) thrill with the safety net of knowing it's not real, that no one was hurt. We as a culture are beyond taking delight in the physical and emotional distress of our fellows. And this makes me proud of our great culture.

Java

p.s., yes, I was kidding about the aqueducts.

Comments

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

Oy.

Please read my response to the above post.

The Romans developed aqueducts, not tootsie rolls. They had no chocolate.

Unfortunately, there is no "sarcastic" mood with LJ, so I chose cynical instead.