The Dark Cartographer sat at his desk, mapping taboos.
He had trouble, at first; one person’s taboo was another’s
breakfast, fetish, or badge. Then he began imagining religions, generations,
perversions as countries and continents and he discovered psychological
tectonics... thrusting mountains of prejudice, vast spreading oceans of distrust,
disgust.
And once he had the subjects – people, he means – codified: the islands, archipelagos, and peninsulas
of taboo; he saw how simple it would be to foster little warzones of hate and violence,
out there in the real world.
He rolled up his map, tucked it under his arm and
set out.
(Originally written for Lily Childs' Friday Prediction)
Nice. Tightly written and effective.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Louise. =)
DeleteIt's amazing how many times you can rewrite a hundred words, the core concept was always there, but it took a lot of redrafts to get it just right. =)
Methinks this mischievous fellow may be responsible for one or two of the world's woes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve. =)
DeleteI think 'mischievous' might be underselling him a little...
I wanna see that map!
ReplyDeleteThanks W.J. =)
DeleteNo good can come of seeing that map... ;)
So much said in so few words! I bet there are a few who would like to get hold of that map!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen. =)
DeleteI bet there are... not sure he'd be willing to sell though.
Really nice work.
ReplyDeleteI too wanna see the map!
Thanks, Jack...
DeleteCareful, though... your eyes may bleed... ;)