What little reality television I've seen seems to be about economic desperation. Like the marathon dancing of the Great Depression, which should give us pause. People willing to eat flies and worms for a sum that is less than the weekly paycheck of the show's producer. I haven't seen "reality television" that is other than this kind of painful, sadistic exploitation of fit young people looking for agents.
Lorrie MooreBut I believed in starting over. There was finally, I knew, only rupture and hurt and falling short between all persons, but, Shirley, the best revenge was to turn your life into a small gathering of miracles. If I could not be anchored and profound, I would try, at least, to be kind.
Lorrie MooreI feared Sarah was one of those women who instead of laughing said, "That's funny," or instead of smiling said, "That's interesting," or instead of saying, "You are a stupid blithering idiot," said, "Well I think it's a little more complicated than that.
Lorrie MooreThe problem with a beautiful woman is that she makes everyone around her feel hopelessly masculine, which if youโre already male to begin with poses no particular problem. But if youโre anyone else, your whole sexual identity gets dragged into the principalโs office: โSo whatโs this I hear about you prancing around, masquerading as a woman?โ You are answerless. You are sitting on your hands. You are praying for your breasts to grow, your hair to perk up.
Lorrie MooreI tried not to think about my life. I did not have any good solid plans for it long-term - no bad plans either, no plans at all - and the lostness of that, compared with the clear ambitions of my friends (marriage, children, law school), sometimes shamed me. Other times in my mind I defended such a condition as morally and intellectually superior - my life was open and ready and free - but that did not make it less lonely.
Lorrie Moore