Discussion What is your relationship with escapism?

[CrazyDiamond04]

I still retain a lot of escapist tendencies and hobbies. However, some forms of escapism have become somewhat painful to partake in, namely media. I find it increasingly difficult to enjoy media these days. By media I mean mostly TV shows and games and stuff like that. These things are almost like a window to a life I feel I can never obtain or a life that is wholly impossible for practically anyone to obtain. It sucks having to see that and dwell on it; it really sucks any enjoyment out of it. I still force myself to do it at times; it almost feels like a form of self perpetuated emotional torture. Like the thing I'm viewing merely exists to serve as a mockery of my existence.

 

[MidnightGloom]

Escapism is something I can understand, and also something that doesn't bring great pain to me. In media I do sometimes find myself spiraling, knowing that it's a life far out of my reach and something I'll never be able to grasp onto. While I sometimes feel mocked by it, it is the only thing that confirms my existence and self. It is a world I've never shared with anybody, and something that is seen by my eyes only (when I'm watching it I mean). Even if I die, everything I watch and listen to is something the rest of the world would likely never know. It may be escapism, but whenever I turn to it, I momentarily feel like a real person with real happiness, and that in itself is enough for me. While my thoughts may change in the future, I can appreciate the current light it brings to my days.

 

[saddestbunny]

i watch a lot of stuff aimed at kids and find it comforting, i understand what you mean

 

[John Ryder]

Definitely get it. "Passive" entertainment (film, shows, music, literature) has always been big in my life. I guess I don't really have the same issue in that I often recognize and acknowledge it - "Yeah, I'll probably never have this exact life or this experience", or half consciously compare myself age and accomplishment wise with characters etc - it's more in passing and not something I typically dwell on. Movies and shows are often sensationalism and glamorous, exotic, out of reach shit fits that bill so I usually see it through that prism. I definitely get where it comes from though.

 

[Zegers]

It happens to me mainly with Instagram. People say it's fake but... people are with their families, friends, making plans, travelling, even if they're not having a great time they're doing it.

 

[CrazyDiamond04]

Definitely get it. "Passive" entertainment (film, shows, music, literature) has always been big in my life. I guess I don't really have the same issue in that I often recognize and acknowledge it - "Yeah, I'll probably never have this exact life or this experience", or half consciously compare myself age and accomplishment wise with characters etc - it's more in passing and not something I typically dwell on. Movies and shows are often sensationalism and glamorous, exotic, out of reach shit fits that bill so I usually see it through that prism. I definitely get where it comes from though.

You're right about the more fantastical and glamorous aspects of it but I was thinking more about the simple down to earth little things that really sets in, such as a loving couple or a group of friends hanging out, things like that.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

Since I wanna CTB, I'd say it's pretty good!

 

[John Ryder]

You're right about the more fantastical and glamorous aspects of it but I was thinking more about the simple down to earth little things that really sets in, such as a loving couple or a group of friends hanging out, things like that.

Yeah, that kind of thing is more prone to sting me when it does happen. Fast X 28 is unlikely to induce any self inventory. But sometimes even the lizard brain action fart romps will sneak attack some subdued element (intimate dinner, perfect family dynamic, whatever) that gut punches you that way, so you gotta stay on your toes

 

[kunikuzushi]

I definitely only consume media that's equal to how miserable I am. That way I can escape my own life but not think about a happy life I could've had. It's also comforting seeing my pain portrayed in a beautiful way.