In today’s media landscape, voices that dare to question the prevailing ideologies are more crucial than ever. Enter David Mamet, the renowned screenwriter whose latest endeavor, “The Disenlightenment,” sets out to boldly confront the absurdities unraveling our society. It’s always refreshing to witness a creative mind like Mamet’s apply the lens of reason to the whirlwind of modern-day politics.
The book attempts to tackle some puzzling societal contradictions, posing questions many have asked but few within the mainstream seem willing to address. Why does California, a state famed for its sky-high taxes, still lag behind in educational success? Isn’t that a bit counterintuitive? Or better yet, why has the government taken initiatives like open borders which, if anything, seem to incentivize what Mamet wittily refers to as an “invasion?” These are the daily essays of nonsensical policies Mamet wrestled with while scripting his new book.
As Mamet peers into the chaos, he theorizes that the situation resembles that of an “open city.” For those of us who’ve slept through World History class, this refers to a city in a state of flux—the conquerors have left, and the new administration is yet to assert control. He’s saying our society, in many ways, mirrors such a city, left vulnerable and exposed, with various interest groups clashing like cats fighting on a hot tin roof.
Mamet is onto something when he questions who really benefits from this so-called “social decay.” Certainly not the average taxpayer or the teachers’ union, despite what the fine print on that lofty tax bill might suggest. It’s as if, in Mamet’s view, the coup has already occurred, and we’re merely players in the farce left in its wake. Much like the aftermath of Paris after Nazi forces evacuated, the power vacuum has many opportunists licking their chops.
Of course, Mamet isn’t just painting a bleak picture. Alongside his book, he’s also diving back into the world of cinema with a project that’s as off-the-wall as his literary work. “Henry Johnson” is a film about doing “good” while inadvertently laying everything around to waste. The narrative hints at profound commentary on how misguided intentions can lead to catastrophic outcomes, a fitting metaphor for today’s world, where pandering often replaces competence. If the absurdity of modern policies hasn’t gotten your attention, perhaps Mamet’s fresh fusion of drama and humor will.
