Fantasy is fine as long as we still spend time in the real world
The creators of the surprising phenomenal success of video game Pokemon Go must be onto something. The game claims to bridge a virtual world with the real world through a type of scavenger hunt where players “capture” imaginary species in what is being termed an “augmented” reality game using a mobile phone. At least you have to leave your basement to play!
The term reality has lost its integrity, as we know reality television is anything but real. Neither are the voices on the radio which are fixed with auto-tune technology, nor the faces and bodies in magazine that are perfected with air-brushes, nor the gold medal athletes who have succeeded with a little help from a pharmacist. Did Hillary’s email activity really breech her nation’s trust and is Donald’s hair firmly attached to his head?
It’s hard to be real when you are surrounded by fake. Real is imperfect, with blemishes, flat notes, unpleasant smells and unsatisfactory conclusions. Real takes work, luck and often both to reach a goal. Real is never predictable, and rarely boring.
So let’s develop real relationships so we can make a real difference to those around us. It does not require large gestures, just genuine ones. A timely call or a thoughtful word can build bridges and heal wounds, real and imaginary. Pay it forward. KG
