One more aspect of this yet-to-be-realized reflection - how our designed “consumerist” society has even forced us into a crafted, created, faux-mourning process.

I think we (collectively) know that deep down, and when issues as stupid as “applause-gate” arise I can only surmise that those engaged is such idiocy are doing whatever they can to get their thoughts off the real issues.

I use “stupid” intentionally - one etymology of “stupid” is this:

from Latin stupidus, from stupere ‘be amazed or stunned.’