01/08: Not So Lost in Fantasy
The times when one is not lost is when the mind and/or body are too busy to be lost. For those who think the significance of what we are doing is what is important: shut the fuck up, pompous asshole. We work, play, fuck around, do stupid and brilliant things to grasp moments of our lost sanity. We do what we do and are capable of most anything.
A friend told me of a place where over 100,000 men go to give their minds the kind of recharge that sustains: Comic-Con.
“Comic-Con?”
Yes, Comic-Con, the largest “comic book” convention in the world (though it has turned into a giant fantasy fan convention and more). Stop looking down your nose, this thing takes over San Diego and has something for everyone, absolutely everyone. Though the excuse for coming together is comic books, there are art exhibits; movie previews; celebrities; attention starved playmates raking in dough from those willing to pay for a picture to show their drooling friends; Christian, Muslim and Jewish themed comics competing for fans; voyeurs; women dressed to seduce, even ones who should not; men and women dressed in character; serious; everyone. All in the name of fun and hope. It is a place to feel okay.
There was a man there who tossed aside the corporate cubicle to focus on his comic strip. He gave up what most would consider a good career for the promise of nothing. He has gained 30 pounds since taking up the frightening challenge, but continues nevertheless. He is an example of many men who find a calling, or simply comfort, in the world of fantasy. All fantasy is grounded in reality, so how much fun can it be to create or visit alternate realities, especially when they are such positive, supportive, nurturing realities—hell, even escape suffices.
There are those who would look down upon this convention of nerds playing dress-up and mock their method of escape, condemning fantasy in this harsh world of reality, but they need only open their eyes slightly to see how much fantasy we embrace each day. Not all religions can be correct, and is any one 100% accurate? Could we accomplish what we do in life if we did not believe in something bigger than ourselves, whether it be God, superheroes, retirement or the scientific method? Everyday life is filled with fantasy because that is how we deal with reality. We all use fantasy.
As a lost male, I am willing to explore most any possibly helpful path along the way. A convention where 100,000 men gather in a supportive, nurturing, freaky funfest offering peace and comfort from the inner demons of boredom, sameness and lostness is a room worth entering. As a man who hates crowds, I felt relaxed, while being crushed by mobs all around. The sights, sounds, allure or possibility, energy were a gift from brethren. I never felt lost.
Whether it be a museum, golfing, racing, comic conventions or something else, it does a man good to escape the rut and routine of what is day-to-day living, day-to-day surviving. Sure, that means you will have to turn the televisions off and leave your comfort zone, but if you do not leave you comfort zone and explore are you still a man? We must explore beyond what we know and if you are unwilling you should turn in your huevos, pussy.
A friend told me of a place where over 100,000 men go to give their minds the kind of recharge that sustains: Comic-Con.
“Comic-Con?”
Yes, Comic-Con, the largest “comic book” convention in the world (though it has turned into a giant fantasy fan convention and more). Stop looking down your nose, this thing takes over San Diego and has something for everyone, absolutely everyone. Though the excuse for coming together is comic books, there are art exhibits; movie previews; celebrities; attention starved playmates raking in dough from those willing to pay for a picture to show their drooling friends; Christian, Muslim and Jewish themed comics competing for fans; voyeurs; women dressed to seduce, even ones who should not; men and women dressed in character; serious; everyone. All in the name of fun and hope. It is a place to feel okay.
There was a man there who tossed aside the corporate cubicle to focus on his comic strip. He gave up what most would consider a good career for the promise of nothing. He has gained 30 pounds since taking up the frightening challenge, but continues nevertheless. He is an example of many men who find a calling, or simply comfort, in the world of fantasy. All fantasy is grounded in reality, so how much fun can it be to create or visit alternate realities, especially when they are such positive, supportive, nurturing realities—hell, even escape suffices.
There are those who would look down upon this convention of nerds playing dress-up and mock their method of escape, condemning fantasy in this harsh world of reality, but they need only open their eyes slightly to see how much fantasy we embrace each day. Not all religions can be correct, and is any one 100% accurate? Could we accomplish what we do in life if we did not believe in something bigger than ourselves, whether it be God, superheroes, retirement or the scientific method? Everyday life is filled with fantasy because that is how we deal with reality. We all use fantasy.
As a lost male, I am willing to explore most any possibly helpful path along the way. A convention where 100,000 men gather in a supportive, nurturing, freaky funfest offering peace and comfort from the inner demons of boredom, sameness and lostness is a room worth entering. As a man who hates crowds, I felt relaxed, while being crushed by mobs all around. The sights, sounds, allure or possibility, energy were a gift from brethren. I never felt lost.
Whether it be a museum, golfing, racing, comic conventions or something else, it does a man good to escape the rut and routine of what is day-to-day living, day-to-day surviving. Sure, that means you will have to turn the televisions off and leave your comfort zone, but if you do not leave you comfort zone and explore are you still a man? We must explore beyond what we know and if you are unwilling you should turn in your huevos, pussy.
