Nowadays, that poster has been replaced by a movie poster of Superman Returns, which I suppose still holds the same meaning – an iconic representation of my wanting to believe that those that rule us are there watching out for our best interests, and those in control are faster then a speeding bullet and more powerful then a steaming locomotive.
But as with any childhood fairytale, the older I get, the less I believe these tales to be true.
It seems that those that govern have other interests in mind, and not necessarily any shared by mere mortals of the “you and I” kind. Take for example the issue of climate change, where large minorities of folks do not believe it exists, or more pointedly, don’t believe in the scientific organizations and government institutions making the claim. And why should they, as the transparent scheme of collecting tax revenue under the guise of “carbon credits” has soured out willingness to suspend our disbelief for more then a few fleeting environmental moments.
The same is true for other calamities, both natural and manmade. 9/11 comes to mind, where another vast minority do not believe the official story of how the World Trade Center Building 7 fell. In this case, a prominent group of architects, engineers, celebs and lawyers are not buying the government’s story that this building blew out as a result of terrorism, but instead was brought down in a government-controlled demolition (see www.ae911truth.org).
Currently, in the Gulf of Mexico, not many believe the official counts on the amount of toxic hydrocarbons spewing into the ocean, or in the non-existence of underwater oil plumes that will eventually create vast dead zones unable to support life for generations to come.
Becoming your own superman or superwoman is perhaps the best possible course of action in a world filled with deadly Kryptonite at every turn.
Our desire to see government agencies work faster then a speeding bullet is being dispersed faster then the poisonous oil dispersants being dumped into the water by a corporation that believes the ocean is so vast, that no harm can be done - and that no harm cannot be undone when billions of dollars can be thrown on top of the problem.
But underlying all of our fears is perhaps even one more daunting, and that fear is one that most of us just don’t want to face: The fear that we may “not know.” Not knowing is probably the worst fear of all. Not knowing if there is a boogeyman in the dark. Not knowing if our children will grow up and be safe and happy in this ever-darkening world. Not knowing how much food will be on table next week, next month, next year. Not knowing when we will die.
It’s the not knowing that is giving us ulcers…
Not knowing whom to trust. Will a constitution be signed soon, and will the civil war finally end? Not knowing whom to turn to: Will the garbage be picked up; will the lights be on tonight? There is an endless list of uncertainties that all need reassurances - confidences coming from either external sources or from sources within, all in order to maintain a healthy stable mind.
But as far as looking for reassurances from external sources (like your government, your civic leaders, your business leaders), I am reminded of a Nepali proverb: Achana ko pir khukuri le jandaina. The inflictor doesn’t know the pain of the wounded. In other words, you are looking for love in all the wrong places.
So that leaves us with just one place left to find the confidence to face any fear that arises: Within. It’s a cliché for sure, but finding the strength within is the only way out. Becoming your own superman or superwoman is perhaps the best possible course of action in a world filled with deadly Kryptonite at every turn.
And this is where I feel the Nepalis actually have an advantage over the rest of world, in general. Most folks I meet on the street (or in the local pub, momo shop, or juice stall) are not sheep just waiting for the slaughter. This is in sharp contrast to the throngs of bleaters I have met in Starbucks around the globe. People here have already learned the lesson that big government and shouting politicians are not going to fly in and save the day (Jo chor uskai thulo swor).
In short, we are on our own, and we understand that. Even though we are just statistics to some, we are not believing in their pie charts. We are on our own and we can deal with it, and by God, don’t get in our way - so keep your moldy baloney for your own pack-of-lies sandwiches!
Well there, I’ve said it... perhaps now I can view my Superman Returns movie poster in the right light, and see that image more as a mirror for the human spirit, instead of as a wanted savior. How about you?
(Writer is quirky-kinda expat happily living in the Kathmandu valley with Nepali family, friends, and a very large German Shepherd named Krypto The Super Dog.)
herojig@gmail.com
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