Metaphor

Years ago I was speaking to a group of journalists in Southeast Asia who explained to me that they often wrote about problems in a neighboring country because their government would persecute them if they told the truth about what was happening closer to home.

Journalists, like novelists, often use metaphor.

Tonight, I am considering two topics as metaphor: technology and Mississippi. Technology is driving more changes in our world, at a faster pace, than anyone could have anticipated even 15 years ago. Mississippi is a disaster zone, a place drawing would-be do-gooders, perhaps the most compelling story of our time.

Both are excuses to do what you want to do. Metaphors for things like fantasies and escape. Venues where whatever you want to imagine might come true, and problems you'd rather not face need not be dealt with. Both are rich with romantic intrigue. Dreams of riches and dreams of freedom, excitement, and adventure.

Much like the American dream itself.

The problem with both is they rely on escape from someone or something. There is always something left behind, like a set of values, or even worse, someone, like a person who loves you. So the fantasy cannot be attained without pain, and being unwilling to face that pain honestly is the likely option for those who choose to pursue these options.

The fate of those left behind is even worse. But metaphor simply does not ever reach quite that far into our language. So there is nothing left for me to say about that, except that it can be expressed only quietly with tears.