Society of Suicide Bombers: Beyond 9/11
By Mickey Z.
09 September, 2014
World News Trust
Photo credit: Mickey Z.
“To be or not to be; that is the question.” - Bill Shakespeare
The topic of “suicide bombers” has been raised, of course, during the build-up to the latest anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Regardless of what any of us believe about the events of that day, it seems we can all stand united in our smug superiority as we assure ourselves that “civilized” humans don’t partake in or endorse kamikaze missions.
I could write volumes on the conditioning behind such beliefs and even more on the myriad reasons to question any “official story” we’re being sold, but instead, I’d like to suggest we take a much wider view of this “suicide as homicide” phenomenon.
Suicide Society
If viewed without bias, one might justifiably characterize modern human behavior as displaying both collective suicidal and homicidal tendencies. We’ve created and sustained a culture that requires relentless consumption and violence in order for it to function as designed. The inevitable outcome -- among many other tragedies -- is irreversible damage to our eco-system, our source of sustenance.
Thus, we’re not only killing ourselves; we’re taking almost everything else with us. We’ve become a society of suicide bombers, waging an un-holy war upon ourselves and all forms of life. You might even call it a kamikaze mission.
When I’ve written and spoken about this in the past, I’ve often faced denial-fueled rebuttals that borrow from George Carlin: “The Earth will shake us off like a bad case of fleas.” While it is technically true that not even a species as murderous as homo sapiens can “kill” the planet, I strongly discourage such a literal distinction because it plays down the devastating impact of the dominant human culture.
The fact that life may re-blossom long after a particularly violent species of primate is gone offers no solace to those (human and non-human) who are suffering and dying right now.
But it likely offers solace to those of us unwilling to take the risk and fight back right now; those too busy debating distractions and participating in pacification parades.
The urgency -- the clock-ticking desperation -- is virtually non-existent.
Re: Action
We’re spoon-fed historical lines like “Give me liberty or give me death” and “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country,” but we’ve willingly become a submissive and easily manipulated population.
But when you live within a society of suicide bombers, passivity is never the best choice. There is no safe path to systemic change. You can hope and pray all you want but it’s action that alters scenarios and impacts outcomes.
The entire eco-system is under 24/7 assault from a culture hell-bent on self-destruction. How loud does the fuckin’ alarm have to ring?
#shifthappens
EVENT: To continue conversations like this, come see Mickey Z. in person in Astoria, NY at Creating a Climate for Change: Mickey Z. on Eco-Defense.
***
Mickey Z. is the author of 12 books, most recently Occupy this Book: Mickey Z. on Activism. Until the laws are changed or the power runs out, he can be found on the Web here. Anyone wishing to support his activist efforts can do so by making a donation here.
©WorldNewsTrust.com
Comments are moderated