“The library is partnering with the CBC and the Canadian War Museum to loan out people as ‘human books’.So you can check out all kinds of people for some conversation including: paramedic, firefighter, judge, hooker, and, of course, stripper.
“Real People. Real Conversations. Talk to people one-on-one about their diverse experiences.””
I think it’s awesome that the program is offering such an eclectic offering of human books. It would be a shame if the only reads available were your typical job-fair or bring-your-parent-to-school type jobs.
Perhaps this is a way to legitimatize the work that all people do.
Couldn't you just go to the local dive bar and ask the stripper "I want to talk one-on-one about your diverse experiences." How far would that go?
ReplyDeleteNever judge a book by its cover, or lack thereof. Everyone has a story.
ReplyDeleteBased on my reading of history, however, I suspect some reads will always tend to jolt the conversational status quo with a little shock, awe, and uncertainty. Case in point: the cliche of Roman culture as one which casually accepted unrestrained eroticism, toga parties, and general mayhem is wishful exaggeration. The reality was Romans were creatures of tradition, and although brothels were legal, there was also a general hesitation toward excess in that direction. Political attacks frequently were summoned on the basis of over-indulgence in things erotic, - similar indiscretions we today scold our own politicians with. The reality was eroticism struck the general populace with a giddiness and high voltage uneasiness similar to that which modern society experiences when thrust face to face with it. And like today, it also provoked gossip.
In other words, attitudes have swung around a bit, but not much has really changed in 2000 years. At least regarding sexual stuff.
Emperor Augustus in fact exiled his own daughter, Julia, to a barren island on the basis of a rumors that she screwed a guy on the Senate dais, the same podium from which Augustus had earlier expounded the virtues of stoic restraint.
So much for Roman permissiveness.
If nothing's changed much in that much time, don't hold your breath for revolutionary change today. It won't happen no matter how much sober mediation and biopic storytelling the public is soaked with. Instead, accept eroticism for the niche of interest it carves into the souls of people, and work it in seductively when there's a willing audience.