How much escapism is too much escapism? - General Tiki

M Monkeyman Tiki Socialite Vista, CA Joined: Mar 04, 2003 Posts: 2386	M Monkeyman Posted posted on Mon, Dec 12, 2005 11:15 AM This is a question I have had about myself for a long time. I think it applies to many of you as well. Its no secret that TCers share many common interests beyond Tiki. It could be comic books, fantasy films, retro conventions, collectibles, fashion etc etc. In my view (and I remind you its only MY view) I think that our desire for escapism often permeates much more of our lives than most people. Some folks can find the necessary level of escape simply by reading a book in the evenings. Others can find it in a fantasy movie 3 or 4 times per year. I find that many of the TCers I know find a need for it on a DAILY basis. Theme Parks visits at lunch, retro movies played in your crusty local theater on Tuesday nights, santa conventions, parades, bar after bar, dress up parties, EXTREME home decor and the list goes on . I am not judging any of these activities as good or bad (I personally cant get enough). But... I look at the people, I work with, live near, and my family. I find that they just dont seem to NEED it as much. Going to your kids soccer game, taking karate lessons, attending a seminar on how to build your wealth, volunteering during your annual church carnival, playing golf with your business associates, decorating your home with sensible furniture and elegant colors etc etc (I know this is a random and ridiculous list but hopefully you understand what I am getting at). I wonder if they are missing out because they dont seek out more fantasy or if I am the one with the problem because I am not content living the responsibilities of life unless there is more entertainment value. Is it immaturity? Is it an attention span prob? I just wonder what void it is filling in our lives? I personally dont have any major tragedies in my life. No abuse, or alcoholism, heinous deaths or otherwise. My life has always been balanced, relatively happy and free from "real" problems. Have any of you ever observed this in yourself and asked a similar question? edited for spelling [ Edited by: monkeyman 2005-12-12 12:36 ]

This is a question I have had about myself for a long time. I think it applies to many of you as well.

Its no secret that TCers share many common interests beyond Tiki. It could be comic books, fantasy films, retro conventions, collectibles, fashion etc etc.

In my view (and I remind you its only MY view) I think that our desire for escapism often permeates much more of our lives than most people.

Some folks can find the necessary level of escape simply by reading a book in the evenings. Others can find it in a fantasy movie 3 or 4 times per year.

I find that many of the TCers I know find a need for it on a DAILY basis. Theme Parks visits at lunch, retro movies played in your crusty local theater on Tuesday nights, santa conventions, parades, bar after bar, dress up parties, EXTREME home decor and the list goes on .

I am not judging any of these activities as good or bad (I personally cant get enough).

But... I look at the people, I work with, live near, and my family. I find that they just dont seem to NEED it as much.

Going to your kids soccer game, taking karate lessons, attending a seminar on how to build your wealth, volunteering during your annual church carnival, playing golf with your business associates, decorating your home with sensible furniture and elegant colors etc etc (I know this is a random and ridiculous list but hopefully you understand what I am getting at).

I wonder if they are missing out because they dont seek out more fantasy or if I am the one with the problem because I am not content living the responsibilities of life unless there is more entertainment value.

Is it immaturity? Is it an attention span prob? I just wonder what void it is filling in our lives? I personally dont have any major tragedies in my life. No abuse, or alcoholism, heinous deaths or otherwise. My life has always been balanced, relatively happy and free from "real" problems.

Have any of you ever observed this in yourself and asked a similar question?

edited for spelling

[ Edited by: monkeyman 2005-12-12 12:36 ]

Post #202743 by Monkeyman on Mon, Dec 12, 2005 11:15 AM