I like watching a movie, doco, etc via the computer these days. Truth be told, I have for the last 15 years or so. In this age when the home media center has become more affordable and can provide a “quality” experience, it is no wonder that most folk do the same as I do. “Heck, I can watch whatever I damn well please (at my own convenience) in my underwear within arms reach to the food and drink I desire.” I’ll freely cop to that reasoning myself.
A couple of Sundays ago my friend, Nate, started organizing viewing parties to watch episodes of a Swedish Reality Show that he is on at a local cafe. Actually, it is the back room of the cafe that is set up like a mini theater which can comfortably sit around 70-80. For the last two Sundays I’ve enjoyed and re-discovered this communal experience.
No, this is not a post touting the return of the movie palaces of yore, but about being in communion. The act or instance of sharing is highly underrated in this day and age.
There is something quite special about sharing a common experience. Sort of a reminder of our humanness… and we, despite our varied beliefs, perceptions, loves and hates are connected by it.
More and more it seems as if a lot of these events of late require membership to a “like thinking crowd”. Be it based on political or faith based divides. Sure, there have also and always been exclusivity among enthusiasts that share common interests and are not limited to the first two categories already mentioned.
But what about the inclusive event? How many of those have you been to of late that did not require an invitation? Perhaps it is just me but the inclusive event seems to be doing a slow fade. The film and live theatre experience seem to be the only ones left. But with the screaming rate of technology and rise in the cost of a ticket, even that is becoming party to the exclusive experience.
Do we really need to wait for the next unbiased disaster or catastrophe to be in communion? Perhaps I’m blowing this all out of proportion. Perhaps it has always been that way… no more or less than it is now. Perhaps I need to get out more. (I probably should anyway… get out more, that is.)
In the meantime… I’ll enjoy the experience of being in communion with others on Sundays that my friend Nate is providing.
Yes, the first episode of reality show I spoke of is above and the second below… enjoy.