Wednesday…already?

Wandering through Chapters yesterday, i came scross a book entitled The Narcissism Epidemic. Of course, I can't remember the author. Big help. The thesis seemed to be that many of the problems we face in North Ameria today have their roots in the story of Narcissus, who spent his life gazing at his own beautiful image in a pool. We are so full of ourselves that all other converns take a back seat to ME!

The example I think of immediately is the overwhelming sense of entitlement that I see/hear in young people. "What do you mean, "You're not allowed." Who says? And why not? " Implication is, I do what I want, no matter who it inconveniences. Same thing with smart phones. I saw a young woman whining on Facebook that she was tghrown out of college class for talking on her phone. "I paid $500 for that course! He has no right to send me out!" Sigh. Even kids in grade seven get it, but not our entitled 21 year old, who thinks she is above everything because she paid for a course HERSELF!

I was working on a column about idolatry (I know, pretty high and mighty), and was thinking of how we put our own concerns ahead of anything else in the world. I was just getting to narcissism when I had to take off to Red Deer. Bingo! The book.

Some of you will be gratified to know that I didn't buy it, or Eco's The Prague Cemetary right beside it. Soooo self righteous! Hope I can find it in the Library.

Watched a chilling movie last evening. (Why do I do this to myself? I can really pic 'em)It's called The Whistleblower, and is about human trafficing in Bosnia just after the war. Rachel Wiesz stars as a US cop, seconded to the police detail in Sarajevo. stumbles on this stuff, and is blocked at every turn trying to stop. UN personnel are involved and UN peacekeepers are some of the "facilitators." Apparently a true story. She is sent home, as are they, but no one is convicted of a crime in theior home countries! Narcissism gone mad. I found it hard to put this one away in my head. Watch it only if you think you can stomach it and won't smash your TV in frustration.

Tonight there is a big town meeting to garner ideas for "rebranding" Ponoka. A town with the "biggest 7 day rodeo in Canada" is going to have a tough time getting away from cowshit, horses, and western music, believe me. I have a group to lead, but I'm pushing my boss (The Reverend) to go. Part of her ministry, I say. What do you say?