A Perspective on the Supernatural: Why are People so Interested in the Unknown?
By Christina Kim - April 14, 2015
Do you believe in ghosts?
Do you believe in spirits living among mankind, roaming unseen to our
naked eyes?
Do you believe that there are other manifestations of lost souls of the
dead?
I think most of us would probably say yes, in some way or another;
knowingly and unknowingly.
I am not sure about the non-believers who probably do not believe in
anything anyway, no offense meant. I respect that they believe in their own
beliefs and we are not in any position to judge them for no one could truly be
sure of what truly is; spiritual or not.
It is a fascinating subject which has caught the attention and interest
of many for generations; which explains the fad behind the millions of dollars
spent in the movie productions centered on the theme of the other kind. True
stories and encounters inspire many of these productions; many of which are
major blockbusters in the movie industry, drawing enthusiastic movie goers,
specifically those who are curious and fueled by the excitement from the horror
genre.
(Horror genre is classified by the types of movies which include that
scare elements; from ghostly tales to slasher films – think gory massacre and
lots of blood).
It is interesting to see this huge fan base, of something which could
just well, give us a scare and yet people are voluntarily queuing to pay for
the tickets to give themselves that opportunity to be frightened out of their
senses.
It is probably that very reason why people are often going into
prohibited haunted places despite knowing that it is haunted; even proven with
the statistics of the almost non-existent survivors.
While most of us, yeah, the remaining of us who pride ourselves in
being on the sane end, would roll our eyes and scoff at yet another of this
story and wonder why people never learn despite being told numerous times of
the danger.
We even have movies and documentaries, and repeated advisories from our
parents, teachers, religious leaders and almost everyone who cared about us in
our lives.
Yes, the question is WHY?
Why do people go for the unknown; or maybe even known, dangers of
something which could pose a risk?
It is not that they are not aware of the danger of dealing with the
supernatural, and education through experience sharing was also incorporated to
create that awareness.
The message is clear: Do not
dabble with the supernatural.
Black magic, voodoo, occult, and such are all big No-Nos.
There are countless times we are told or even heard/seen the real-life
stories of those who dealt with all the above, and initiated their very own
attempt to contact or interact with the spirits.
Mediums were approached or even imitated in their séance attempts and
other forms of ways to connect with the spirits include the popular Ouija board
(also known as the ‘coin spirit game’ in some cultures) which has been struck
off the list by most religious communities.
It may have deterred most of us; the sensible lot (or maybe cowardly so
to the daredevils) to venture into that area but then there is still that group
of people making up the statistics to brave the unknown, albeit the risks.
They know the stories, they went through the same documentaries and
education with us, but they are the ones still taking that leap.
Are they not afraid?
Are they not aware?
Of course, another side of the coin offering that perspective of had
they not ventured into the unknown, there would be no stories to be told or
experiences to be shared to further educate others.
They are heroes? In a way?
But, really?
It is something interesting to look at; and perhaps the very same study
to shed that light on the reasons people choose to do the wrong thing when they
are well aware of the line between the wrong and right, and the consequences
and the list just goes on.
It is just one part of the subject, but this is one that piques my
curiosity and thoughts, for this is more than just breaking the law or the code
but this is something dealing with the spiritual world.
It is a world which is unseen and practically, unknown and extremely
mysterious to us, yet people choose to cross that invisible border.
It is a Risk and it could cost their lives, but they are willing to,
why?
This is higher than any stake one could possibly bet on and it is one
that no one can predict or even calculate the returns.
I am not here to be the expert, to provide that conclusion or the
definition of the overall matter but rather, I find it fascinating to be a case
study (though I am pretty sure most of the psychology experts have already
shared their findings and theses on this; backed up by science).
I am just here to discuss, and perhaps share my very own perspectives
in a general and layman manner.
I will leave the science to the experts.
I studied science myself, but I am going to leave science out of this
because I wanted a very simple depiction of this whole matter, which is not
going to be a thesis anyway.
At least, that’s not the intention.
People often like to venture into the unknown, despite knowing the
dangers and that, well, it is the unknown.
The mystery of it all entices them.
It is the thrill.
It brings excitement and ignites that need to be right; that
truth-seeking gene to work.
We all love to be right about something – now, don’t go shaking your
head, you know I am right.
It is not just the women who love to be right; everyone, loves to be
right.
Everyone wants affirmation, they want that recognition, and they want
to prove themselves, even if it meant going against the norm, or
nature.
The supernatural world fits the bill perfectly.
It is lurking there and that mystery of the existence of the world
which propelled the world into religious and frenzy beliefs just created that
factor of attraction.
Nobody knows, nobody could prove; try as they could (because most of
them don’t come back alive anyway). Those who claimed to have been to the other
world and back, or have had first hand encounter with the supernatural were
often questioned as well, by the skeptics.
It is simple, it is still a personal experience and nobody can prove it
when it is personal.
It is your word against the world.
Nobody knows the truth, except those who experience it themselves.
I am not a skeptic, and I am not creating or casting that doubt over
stories of real life experiences, but it is this reason of mystery and
unknown/unable-to-prove kind of situations which just further sparks the curiosity
of the rest of the world who did not have that experience.
The supernatural world is often viewed as a subject of fascination, for
this very reason.
Sometimes perceived as taboo, just like death, it is probably avoided
at all costs by most of the culture.
Awareness is created, to remind the people of the dangers of dealing
with the unknown but somehow; it failed to have that effect on everyone (though
they have succeeded in convincing majority, there is always that minority who
will always be the rebels).
Fair enough, we cannot please or control everyone, but why do we have
this minority who dares to go against the culture?
And, can we say for sure, the rest of us who do not take that step
forward to check out for ourselves, are not burning with curiosity either, of
that mysterious world?
Who are we kidding, when we see high ratings and interests in the
horror movies produced, and the ghost stories published in books.
We are all, just curious people.
Difference is, we do not take the physical or actual action to confirm
for ourselves, while there are some of us who do.
The supernatural world is one that will continue to be one big mystery;
like it or not.
It is probably thrilling for many to wonder whether the dead still
dwell among us living, in floating and evaporating forms; invisible to our eyes
and whether they could really see and hear us.
I am not sure to say that they are truly courageous, or just foolish
for trying to take that inevitable risk of exploring a world that is filled
with questions on its very existence.
It does not matter whether you are a believer or not; religious or not,
many are still wondering (and even scoffing) when the subject comes up.
For those who are not into the genre or topic, it is not because they
are unaware, but on the contrary, they could be too aware and are just avoiding
it with care out of their own fears.
Yes, as much as we love to be right, we, humans, are just fearful
beings as well.
Venturing into the unknown just seemed like a challenge to subdue that
fear in our hearts and to appear heroic.
It is probably that much unspoken reason existing in our sub conscience
which moved those to attempt the acts deemed courageous to reach to the other
world.
Of course, they can probably refer to themselves as the truth-seekers
for they could be the ones to risk the situation and then emerge with new
theories and knowledge to share with and further educate the world.
A word of caution though; I am still a strong believer of religion and
by that, I definitely do acknowledge the existence of spirits.
I am your average conservative and extremely cautious person who will
not dabble or even dream of venturing into the world.
Call me a coward and all, but I still stand on my ground.
The truth is always out there, and I always feel that sometimes, you
don’t need to have the answers to everything.
I am not sure whether I should applaud these people who explore the
spiritual world; unless they are naturally gifted with psychic abilities and
are trained, or perhaps recognized by religious organizations (we do have
people like that, the accredited demonologists, psychics, etc approved and work
for the religious organizations), or just shake my head for attempting to risk
their lives.
(They may not think so though, for some of them are just skeptics who
are out there to bust the myths surrounding the unknown).
Challenging the spiritual world is not in any way similar to
bio-science and finding that cure for diseases, and there is always a reason
why the religious folks are always emphasizing on this very fact.
If you are just a follower who got dragged into the ghost hunting
expedition and did not really want to, speak up and just say no. Do not let
others decide your fate, or just to be accepted by the crowd, you are doing
something against your own beliefs and even your own decision.
Listen to your inner voice, you know the answer.
My stand remains; do not dabble with the unknown and the supernatural
world is just one big no-no.
Ouija boards, black magic, witchcraft, occult are just to name a few.
The movies, true stories and documentaries say it all and I am just
adding to that emphasis.
Some things are better left unknown.
The spirits, let’s just leave them to their own worlds and their own
liberty.
We wouldn’t want to be disturbed in our own space either; it is not
very nice or polite.
Besides, it is definitely not going to be a very pretty sight when All
Hell breaks loose, would it?
Leave the heroic acts to the superheroes.
Conquer your inner fears with something else, and perhaps,
psychiatrist.
If you are curious, well, have you ever heard of the old adage that ‘Curiosity
Kills the Cat’?
So, just stick to reading and watching the movies, and keep away from
attempts to conjure your dead ancestors/friends.
There is a reason behind that plate, Rest in Peace.
Respect that.
Peace to all of you.
2 comments
While some are helpless such as family member having sudden illness and thus seeking for god/supernatural's help, some are just curious like you said. Most of the time is human scares human. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the article too, Waco!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to share perspectives and thoughts I have :-)