From: Remi
Category: Exhibitions
Date: 07 November 2004
One of those tricky classifications again. At first, the life category would be more appropriate, but on further consideration you realise that an event that takes part in the legal quarter of London, with plenty of blasonage and dignitaries of the past on display, lends itself more to an exhibition. What went on? Ostensibly, very little. A group of just under 300 men, varying from 18 to 85 stood in the same room, reunited by the fact that they attended the same secondary school for five years, or less. Three men, were heard out, clapped and cheered. People from the same school year greeted each other and talked about what they were doing in everyday life, and what they had achieved since leaving school. Everyone enjoyed various degrees of privilege and authority, and compared this with one other. In fact, just by being at that school, it seemed that you were guaranteed an important position. Few didn't wear a suit, and those that didn't made a statement of not doing so. Such was the atmosphere of conformity. People were friendly, and implicitly acknowledged that one's attendance was considered far-reaching enough to unite with your fellow man in the room . Those who otherwise would have little to share, found reams to talk about. Individuals who were less than friendly in the past, were suddenly transported into a complicit union. All was forgiven and forgotten; this is the power of religion. What can you take away from this event? That you belong to a group of some description, and for a small fee, people will befriend you for a few hours on account of it. Then, if you want, you can turn this into your own identity and put other considerations second.
[_shared_elements/comment_on_this_review.htm]