That's not my problem

As an architect, I subscribe to promote the welfare of the public, striving to do no harm within the context of the work that I do. 

If only this were a universal theme for educated professionals.

If only this were a universal theme for myself within every aspect of my life.

Angie and I subscribe to cable television.  We have the most inexpensive package which provides us with around 15 channels.  I can remember when I was a child how exciting it was to gain access to a television that carried premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc.  Just knowing that there was the possibility of seeing something "adult" was very enticing.

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I work in state government.  The paradigm within my occupation is much different than it was within the private sector, though like the private sector, there's a plethora of personality types that make up the workforce.  One distinct difference between the private and public sector is knowing exactly what your responsibilities are within your specific job description.

This is good on one hand from the standpoint of logic but difficult on another from the standpoint of compassion (or lack thereof).

I've had colleagues look at me and say that they literally didn't care one iota about me or my situation.  I can appreciate that for transparency's sake, but it certainly hurts to hear it.

It took at least 8 years of working alongside the same colleague to stumble upon that kind of honesty within the private realm.

My colleagues and I care for the Mississippians that we serve.  For me, it's part of my personality due to the fact that I'm a giver.  To a degree, I care for those I work alongside as well, despite the fact that we're all somewhat autonomous.

Know this:  I'm the guy who wonders how to help a homeless man (who doesn't look dangerous) as I'm driving by the sidewalk that he's traveling upon.

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Adult films are popular this time of year.  There are a few in theaters currently.  These are dark affairs with heaps of foul language, nudity, sexual themes (often with horrifically violent overtones), and so on.  Eventually, these films move onto the premium channels / DVD racks at Wal-Mart for anyone to see who has access to the remote or a few bucks.

When I was a child, adult films were tame by today's standards.  From the themes to the specific visual imagery / language, they are now cut from an entirely different cloth.

There's no sense of restraint or hold harmless within the current crop of adult films.  They're meant to do much more than entertain or inspire on any level.  I'm not saying they're no good, I'm just saying they're extreme.  And systemically inching closer and closer to the edge as each year passes.

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Those who produce, direct, and act within these films may have, at some point in time, worked within government.  That sense of autonomy between ones' peers that I described above is perhaps translated across the masses creating a definitive emotional disconnect between filmakers and audience. 

Let's all think (and feel) different, for God's sake, no matter our calling.  And no matter our circumstances.  Everything we do and say with what little time we're given on this Earth affects so many other individuals, both young and old.

And for those of you who subscribe to today's version of this celluloid genre on a regular basis, I urge you to cease and desist.  Don't support the films, etc. themselves and work towards avoiding the outlets by which they're impishly distributed.  And, yes I realize that might lead to some inconvenience, but taking a stand for others' well being is worth it in the long run.

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