How Would You Apply This Paris Hilton Parable To Our Modern Concept Of Priorities?

Question

It will only take you a minute to read this short parable. So please do so and please let me know if the metaphors it tries to convey are exact enough, clear enough?

I'm asking because this is my first ever appempt to write a parable and I may have failed or may need to re-edit or re-write this stupid thing.

Here is the link to the Live Journal page:

http://unmired.livejournal.com/

And I thank all of you who respond here.

Yes, I know how to spell the word 'attempt.' My ages old dyslexia sneaks back into my writing when I'm in too much of a hurry sometimes. My bad!

Skeptic, using real personal names can bring on lawsuits, but I didn't do this. If you'll notice I only used the personal name of Paris. Unless Paris Hilton is the only woman in the world with the first name of Paris (which isn't likely) my behind is covered there. As to using trademarked brand names a writer is pretty safe doing so as long as they don't make false claims or attempt to discredit the brand name publicly. And you're right. I misspelled Evian. Even when I use spell check I don't catch them all.

Answer 1

It's a very good parable and well written. I enjoyed reading it.

Yes, it does say alot about our society - it's values and morals. Where our priorities fall are often in the wrong place. As you wrote, disastrous results can happen. If not physically, then to the soul and moral fiber of the individual. It eventually leads to death.

And as Paris Hilton blamed her situation on the events and inanimate objects, sadly many people do too. It is the easy way out. Correct thought processes are missing. Hopefully, these people don't taint others.

Answer 2

WOW. I got so involved in the rest of the unmired.livejournal, I forgot what I was going to answer. Then I wrote down the question & stuck a big red dot on it so I can go back & print it out when I get some printer paper! I'm so impressed with your writing that my own mind is rather a blank--except--it's a great parable, & I wouldn't touch it to edit or anything at all. It's RIGHT THERE. I'll pass to Marguerite who gave you a great answer.
I'm certain Skeptic meant to help, but people's "real" names are used everywhere, all of the time. I also think changing to generalizations instead of brand names would sort of mess it up.
My friend, I know someone very, very well who has dyslexia, & it's a pain in the pot. She's given up trying to be "perfect."
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read the journal.

Answer 3

I think it's very good, and it's a good depiction of society. We forget the basic needs of survival because we distract ourselves with trifle issues, that we actual put more value into, more than actual important issues! Then when we don't get what we need in life, we blame outside sources instead of taking responsibility for our own mistakes. That was clear, and it's really good!

I have some suggestions though, I wouldn't use real people's names... I don't know, I thought there were rules on this or something? Like you need their permission or something? Same for brand names? Well, Avian only sounds like Evian, I guess...

But by using brand names it only works within this generation. It doesn't work so well IF in the futre, today's brand names are tommorows cheap brands. I would just go with, "What brand is it? I only drink high quality water" she asked as she accepted the life sustaining gift. "What the hell! Under these circumstances I suppose it really doesn't matter which. I would settle for the cheap brand." This way, it works for every generation...

Well, I guess I'm putting importance on trivial issues, but eh, it's not life or death here for me... :)

Very nice parable!

Answer 4

We have priorities that are a waste of time when there are bigger fish to fry... but it seems that the ones that NEED to see them are blind as hell.