Never too soon...
I hate what this world is turning into.
I might have said this already more than 100,000 times in different words, but there come some moments like this when I truly understand how deep, broad, and burning this hatred of mine is.
What prompted this reaction this time is that, as I am preparing for my annual pilgrimage with my wife, I was making plans for us to visit the only cat café which exists in the broader region. One of the most charming establishments in the entire county, and a special place full of warmth and a whole army of sweet purring creatures...
And I looked them up, only to find out that:
The establishment has ceased operating as a cat café.
They have turned it into a basic lounge bar instead, and there are no cats to be seen around at any point. (But don't worry, folks! You can always take a picture with their cardboard cutout of Saint Taytay!)
The owner stated as the reason therefor that: "After much heartfelt consideration, we've made the decision to close our doors as a cat cafe.The truth is, the incredible hard work, unwavering commitment, and unique demands of running a cat cafe are no longer something we feel able to sustain as our lives have changed considerably." -- You can bet your boots that safetyism, as the official state religion of England, worked its magic again.
And thank goodness that at least she spends her newfound time and resources in a most productive manner -- that is, operating a dime-a-dozen lifestyle-and-fashion Tiktok where she posts at least one video daily!
This sort of thing has become a pattern by now. Details and places might change, but the overall pattern stays the same.
The entropy. The deconstruction. The instagrammification. The reduction of all things to the lowest, safest, and most marketable common denominator.
I know not how we ended up here. I only know that I detest this.
People. Brethren. Friends. Romans. Countrymen. I cannot stress this enough:
Go out there and support the things you love. Things which are good, true, beauteous, wholesome, and solid.
Go to that cat café or tea room. Eat at that traditional tavern. Shop at that local business. Visit that old church or castle. Go to that county fair. Attend that concert. Join that book club. Ring those bells. Learn that instrument. Walk that old path. Travel on that heritage railway.
Not "someday". Now.
Before it is too late.
Before the only things left standing are those which the Algorithm likes.
@anscathmarcach @merthwyn @esters-notepad