Onward, into the Way of Remembering

Metaphorically, propaganda is the lens of a slanted viewpoint, crafted by the state, and placed secretly over the eyes of the unsuspecting. It is a control mechanism, of the most subtle but extreme sort, that weaves the memory of half-truths into society like the casting of so many spells. We see its expressions endlessly, on network news, in movies, on social media platforms, and hear its refrains in popular music, as we shop for groceries and order coffee in strip malls. Even as our public and private spheres of existence are crafted, quite carefully and with a plan in mind, our view of events is likewise shaped (and reshaped) according to prevailing powers. However, there is also a more poignant and humane way of remembering, wherein a feeling for the past may be cultivated and enjoyed, imbibed as a form of refreshment.  

Although a host of writers and artists can be visited for this form of renewal, we can also experience it in relative isolation, through our own observations of the world. This is where we find the great tradition of walking mindfully, examining the environment with a scientific eye, pondering the middle distance of trees and bodies of water, as if such things were entirely new in our experience. Anyone who has observed a small child at play understands what I mean. This outlook, I believe, allows for a fruitful way of remembering, as we create our own lenses of perception and understanding. However, this method of healing requires patience and a love for detail.

In short, the way in which we remember is pivotal, in that it shapes our perspectives and actions long into the future. Although we are coerced into maintaining a communal way of remembering, consuming furlongs of propaganda dispersed to the multitudes (what I typically refer to as the conditioning agents of social engineering) we remain free to create our own, more humane methods.

An afternoon walk to examine trees and pieces of historic architecture, or a stroll along foggy bits of shoreline for relaxation, can lead us onward, into a refreshed way of remembering. Whichever methods of recollection we choose, however, our task is to recover memories of truth and reality for succeeding generations to study.