Jobe Knows the Truth: Part Two of Three

Later that week, Mitch went to the coffee shop for the club meeting. The philosophy club didn’t start off as a philosophy club but rather just a club for people to come and make friends. Since then, they’ve slowed on making friends but engaged in all discussions that could raise the level of thought in society. Regardless, they kept the old, self-deprecating yet inarguably fitting name: “The Lonely People Club.”

“Unity by Individuality.” That was their motto. For the last few days, or at least the last few minutes, Mitch had been trying to thinking of really philosophical shit. Instead all he could think of were awesome movie titles, even if he couldn’t think the story that would go with the titles. “The Excalibur Project” “Deal Breaker” and “The Citadel Project” were only three of his best.

Mitch met lots of people and would remember none of them at first, including Gary (who Mitch forgot three more times). There was Gary, Sydney, J.C, Sophia, Don, Cassidy, Sophia (a different one), Jobe, Emma (who preferred to be called Bella), Lane, Opi (or O.P.) and Pax. Also Cooper would have usually been there but he had an acapella performance two towns over that afternoon.

“Are we different than our parents thirty years ago?”

“Yes. People don’t work like they used to. More importance is placed on time and flexibility, not money and consistency. Nobody wants to work at a one place his or her whole life anymore. It’s almost embarrassing for young people to say they’ve worked one job for several years. Our values are like that, too. Less security for more freedom. Everyone has time to be a philosopher now, not just hippie extremists.”

“You can’t generalize a generation’s values like that. I’d like to turn everyone’s attention to a start-up company that is called “Protestors for Hire.” They’ll support any side of any controversy for the right price. Now this is professionalism at its best. But its also culturally significant because they raise the level of discussion in society, which is what we are trying to do.”

“No. They’re just turning up the volume. We want to raise the level of thought, not discussion. By overtly appealing to as many people as possible, they can, and almost have to, appeal to the lowest common denominators. They can then create and spread outrageous lies and opinions. There are more beneficial ways to indicate passion about an issue than shouting misconceptions at motorists, however anyone can shout misconceptions at motorists and so that’s why they do it.”

“These Protestors for Hire may be loud, but they aren’t idiots. They’ve already figured out that it’s always a stronger argument to be for something rather than against anything—even if it’s superficial. No one is “anti-choice, i.e. freedom” but rather “pro-life.” By the same token, no one is “anti-life”.”

Mitch sat baffled. He got sidetracked long ago thinking about what his parents were like thirty years ago and hadn’t paid attention to what anyone had said. He helped himself to more Cool Ranch Doritos. But what did he think, everyone wanted to know.

“Well. It’s weird but when I get kicked out of a movie theater I prefer it to be a manager and not some whatever employee. It’s never fun, but it’s easier also when the manager is kind of a jerk. You know?” Mitch waited for a response that nobody was giving him. “That’s philosophical, or something, right?”

“I agree with Mitch. What’s the point of pushing something that doesn’t push back, or is already going in your direction? Rebelliousness needs authority. Mitch, you should come here every week.”