markmayerson

@markmayerson.bsky.social

393 Followers 417 Following

Graphic novelist, sculptor, former animation artist and teacher. https://mayersoncreative.com

As the human population increases and the environment deteriorates, our existence is threatened. (A farmer looks at ruined crops. Another sits on the roof of a house amidst a flood.) The survival instinct will increase levels of selfishness and fear, which may just make things worse. (Armed guards stand in front of a gated mansion.) Our only hope is to recognize the role of selfishness and fear in our behavior. Otherwise, the survival instinct may be the thing that kills large numbers of us. A quote from the Dalai Lama: "We are self-centered and selfish but we need to be wisely selfish, not foolishly so. If we neglect others, we too lose. We have to support others. We can educate people to understand that the best way to fulfill their own interests is to be concerned about the welfare of other."
The fear makes it easy to demonize the oppressed, which results in more oppression. (A cop has three people spread eagled against a wall.) And if the dominant group can't benefit from the oppressed group or needs a scapegoat, there's always genocide. Politicians build their campaigns around selfishness and fear, regardless there they stand on the issues. (A politician addresses a crowd.) "Vote for us. We'll protect your interests and get you more of what you want. Our opponents will destroy everything that you value." Dominant groups seek to control government through campaign contributions and other chicanery. What does the dominant group want?
If you've ever tried to swat a fly, you've seen the survival instinct in action. It's so fundamental to life that we take it for granted. Nothing wants to die. But the survival instinct down't just operate when life is threatened. Creative creatires look for ways to enhance their survival every moment they're alive. Finding more food for instance. (A fly lands on an apple core.) The need to survive puts one's needs ahead of another's. It's the root of selfishness and greed. (A snarling dog guards some meat from two other snarling dogs that want to take it.)
Two identical items offered on ebay. One for $14.77 and the other for $254.51.
A human-like dinosaur named Granjik pursues Harvey Tripp in the middle grade graphic novel Tripp to the Stars.
The cover to a picture book called Puppy Seeds. A boy holds seeds in one hand and a spade in the other, expecting the seeds to grow dogs.
A boy who drank too much soda pop has inflated like a balloon and floated into the sky.
The survival instinct doesn't just operate when life is threatened. Creatures look for ways to enhance their survival every moment they're alive.
Two versions of a sculpture. The original on the left, the 3D printed cast on the right.
A ball and chain with mouse ears. The leg clamp is now open since the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie, is now public domain.