A few days into 2024, and events already seem bizarre. Starting with Israel’s promises to continue military operations in Gaza and Russia’s promise of a continuous offensive against Ukraine, to the vulnerable situations in Ecuador, Argentina, Guyana, the Red Sea, and other conflicts less visible in the media.
Then, with not just a pinch but lots of salt and pepper, the release of unsealed documents regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s case brings a frenzy in many corners. Social media is filled with memes of respected scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Unsurprisingly, there has been limited media attention to the alleged discovery of an illegal tunnel in New York City. 2024 has shown so far that it will be a colourful and challenging year.
Across continents, people feel entitled to grab whatever they like. From financial institutions not being transparent with investors to invasions of countries, land and properties. Social values, working ethics, contractual agreements, and countries’ relationships are all going through changes, and we don’t know what lies ahead. All sorts of conflicts are mushrooming.
On my side, I lost a large property in an environmentally protected area of Rio de Janeiro to the militia (former police officers) and drug dealers. All the legal resources were used. I have tried to donate the property to a charity, an orphanage, or a facility for children with cancer, but the institutions could not ensure the safety of the residents. There is just so much one can do.
As far back as I can remember, we have always believed in institutions. We believed in those in power and that they would always do the best for humanity. The wealthy, powerful, and well-connected, from the pinnacle of their seats, gazing down on the little people, would take care of us. Apparently, they knew it all and better.
However, everyone has been selling illusions. These days, we see the Instagram filter idea everywhere. It is becoming difficult to differentiate between illusions and real stuff. From lip-smacking fruits that made my guests drool from the corner of their mouths to visually nicely packed pieces of meat for the festive seasons, everything was just for the eyes.
The myths of invulnerability, invincible armies, military power, and superior intelligence have all been debunked. After all, who cares? The ‘music chair’ around politics and influence is deeply rooted. Then, as new batches of unsealed documents related to Epstein’s alleged criminal offenses were released, several well-known and influential men had their names accidentally or incorrectly reported as being among Epstein's friends. ‘The list’, as it was popularly named, took social media into a frenzy. Political conspiracies, or just the weakness of the body, have also been exposed. That is when justice and the media can promote accountability.
Would we like to know the intimate relationships of the greatest painters, monarchs, and gods, as well as the events that took place within the walls of palaces or temples? The combination of very expensive fish and flutists during the 4th Century BC accounts tells us that forbidden pleasures were not different than they are today.
Companies such as Netflix will be creating fantastical stories based on contemporary affairs and providing us with a twisted and more liberal interpretation of misconduct. Movies like Fifty Shades of Grey, which fall within the boundaries of trashy psychological warfare, are commercially great successes. 'Documentaries' with similar contexts already fill the digital world.
Aside from any discussion on ethical conduct or the importance of reputation, the entire Epstein episode turns the spotlight on leadership. The released material lifts the veil on accountability and transparency. It is safer to look into human flaws through satire because if we scratch the social constructions of power and politics, the smoke that surrounds illusions will vanish, revealing interesting naked truth.
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