Welcome to the new Inquisition; a softer, gentler Inquisition prepared to kill you with kindness. Common sense is now burned in street bonfires with full media coverage. You can be reported to the PC police for minor infractions, labeling you for your actions with drastic consequences if your emotions do not align with the judging leaders. If you disagree, you can be placed on public display for the masses to chant and point their fingers through social media. Nowhere is safe; and nothing is without scrutiny.
You, the heretic, have entered into their holy world, encompassing the globe through ties of humanitarian aid with the new nobility of Hollywood stars shepherding the masses to enlightenment. You were born a heretic, as your privilege has deemed you labeled based on your class, gender, race and so on. If you refuse to self-identify, you are the lowest of the low, worthy of only being a social outcast for your blasphemy.
Borders have been erected with imagination. Flags of equality fly high over the heads of the indoctrinated as they march forth to seek out all heresy. The followers drink Starbucks, wear skinny jeans with black socks and Chucks, and sport stickers dedicated to their favorite belief or idol of their chosen emotion. They lecture on the virtues of microbreweries, healthy food options, and trendy new books. Often, they congregate to pray to their favored musical saint, fully subscribing in their message of “The lyrics don’t matter. I just like the beat.” The musical saints preach from stages with great fanfare far and wide. Their dedication leads them to denounce clothing in an effort to prove their emotional identity or lack thereof, utilizing vast amounts of glitter and an ever expanding marketing scheme.
Individualism is the mantra. One must focus on ones emotions to the extreme for salvation. Failure in life is permitted; failure to your emotions is not. As Shakespeare wrote Polonius to say, “This above all: to thine own self be true” you are encouraged to speak your individual gospel at all times, even when it is inappropriate or irrelevant. (Hamlet 1.3, 78) Your emotions take precedent over all proceedings. Anyone that disagrees is a heretic and must be dealt with swiftly.
The crusader army is battling from government lawns under cheap Walmart tents. They chant for $15 an hour and various free items usually associated with a college education. Your degree (or the one that will ultimately be given to you) is your badge of office; a step higher in the rank and file of your church. Your dedication must be rewarded in the form of temporary achievements. Oh you, the esteemed recipient of the participation award. Your religion discredits the need to focus on the future. No, now it is all about you. You in the now and how you feel are all that matters. Raise your fist to the sky to chant your battle cry: “I am offended!”
All hail the Church of Emotions.
Jeremy Rawls 