protest against modern culture #1
There's currently some kind of promotional trailer in the centre of Leeds where you can play with one of those computer games like the Wii. I've passed it a few times and seen adults - grown-up people, mind - jumping about and watching the effect on a large screen that mimics their actions as graphics.

And do you know what it reminded me of?

Chimps looking at themselves in a mirror at the zoo.

But chimps soon get bored of that and stop noticing themselves when they realise that's all the mirror does. Humans, however, never seem to get bored of the idiotic novelty of it.

Is this what we have come to?

If I were a socialist, I'd argue that it's exactly this kind of moronic leisure activity that pacifies us and makes us apathetic so that any kind of real protest seems like too much hard work.

But I'm not. I'm just a whinger.
(Brand name, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 12:29, 7 replies)

t'was ever thus matey
In Ancient Rome, philosophers referred to a passive population quietened by "Panem et Circenses" Ie, Bread and Circuses, full bellies and cheap entertainment. I just think it's getting worse, tbh..
(Beer Elf Thought this was like a campfire, anyhow, on, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 13:21, closed)

If you stick some chimps in front a mirror, sure, they will get bored....
But you'll be seeing different people each time. It's not as if someone who has not tried it is going to think "oh, someone else must have done this and become bored. I'll just not have a go at all then."

There are a lot more people than chimps, so a lot more people for you to see jumping about.
( vix0r was not Matthew on, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 13:29, closed)

I really dont get
The Wii or that new shite microsoft have brought out.

If I want to play a game I'd like to sit in a comfy chair and play ty.

If I want to keep fit I go to the gym, ride my bike, walk my dog etc.

All that effort just to play a game is beyond me.
(EvilMeister, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 14:32, closed)

If I were a socialist,
I'd reply that saying that people (other than oneself) are more moronic than chimps is a bad thing.
(apeloverage committed the vile act of onanism on, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 18:45, closed)

true but
sometimes you can't help but wonder.
(TheFlyingOnion. looking forward to, Sun 14 Nov 2010, 22:33, closed)

I feel pretty much the same about computer games in general
what a freaking waste of time. There's a world of real stuff to do out there, and you're playing fake tennis? Please.

Mind you, I watched the whole of the Come Dine With Me omnibus on Saturday, so not best placed to judge.
(jennymnemonic, Mon 15 Nov 2010, 12:05, closed)

They're playing a game
It's called "fun". Lighten up ffs :)
( pixel_fucker is going to need a bigger brush, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 9:15, closed)