This is really interesting, and so beautifully written!
I have many favorite parts, but this is one of them: "When we name the thing, we take away some of its mythic potency. We continue to chip away as we learn & categorize more things about it. What we’re left with is something we can study. Something we can track, teach about in school—apprehend. But it just doesn’t haunt us in the same way."
I think it goes hand in hand with all the "villain origin story" treatments of classic stories, too. Where they used to depict a monstrousness which must be vanquished or overcome, they now showcase a monstrousness which must be understood.
Thank you very much. I'm pretty insecure about my writing, so this is really nice to hear.
I also love the connection to villain origin stories.
It's as though, culturally, we can't handle the idea of something both enigmatic and dangerous. If that sort of thing is allowed to exist, the existential weight might be overwhelming or something.
I would love to see that idea unpacked some more somewhere. Thank you!
This is really interesting, and so beautifully written!
I have many favorite parts, but this is one of them: "When we name the thing, we take away some of its mythic potency. We continue to chip away as we learn & categorize more things about it. What we’re left with is something we can study. Something we can track, teach about in school—apprehend. But it just doesn’t haunt us in the same way."
I think it goes hand in hand with all the "villain origin story" treatments of classic stories, too. Where they used to depict a monstrousness which must be vanquished or overcome, they now showcase a monstrousness which must be understood.
Thank you very much. I'm pretty insecure about my writing, so this is really nice to hear.
I also love the connection to villain origin stories.
It's as though, culturally, we can't handle the idea of something both enigmatic and dangerous. If that sort of thing is allowed to exist, the existential weight might be overwhelming or something.
I would love to see that idea unpacked some more somewhere. Thank you!
Yes! I agree with you. I love your writing style and look forward to reading more!
Thank you!