Crisis management

I was watching Fear Factor on television+ last night++. It occurred to me that this show – unlike most other reality TV – really does tap into the human condition+++.

This is not to say that the dearth of readily available scorpion pits dotting the landscape is the only thing preventing your average person from casting him or herself into a scorpion pit, but – hmm… maybe I should start a petition? Who would I address it to, though? Minister of the Environment, perhaps?

Sorry, before I get sidetracked, I wanted to make the point that despite claims to the contrary, people seem to have an affinity for crisis. We appear to be drawn to the dramatic, because the alternative is – well – dull. Our wittiest anecdotes involve things like alcohol; open manholes; giant puddles; doggy-do; disastrous relationships and so forth. Sometimes all of the above. This is probably why older people look back with wistful longing on the days when they were young and exceedingly stupid and sigh, “Good times…”

+ because watching it live is, y’know, SO lame. That reminds me – how come they never have short, flat-chested, accountant-types on the show? I’d still watch. No, really.

++ If you think that’s interesting, wait until you read my exciting monograph on the weather. Oh wait, I’ve already done that. Damn

+++ Well okay, the human condition other than the willingness to do anything for money