My post of yesterday was a singularly grim, unnerving topic, the German V-1 rocket bomb.  It was labeled by its creators,  vengeance weapon.  For 80 days they rained down on London in 1944.

One could evaluate by a study of the development, use, and purpose of the V-1, the meaning of German society in 1944.  Likewise I think that by an analysis of the products produced by American companies, promoted and offered up in our television commercials, –we could form a reasonable  assessment of the meaning of American society in this 19th year of the 21st century.

General Motors is putting out video promotional variations of their GMC Division vehicles.  These video pieces offer behemoth luxury Sport Utility Vehicles in a variety of trim packages, all  expensive, all appealing to the testosterone infused, big-is-better American ethos.  The angle of persuasion of the TV commercials interests me.  A close up look at one of these in the parking lot, or on the showroom floor gives an even better idea of what motivates a good number of us, those of us who can afford to purchase this brand of vehicle.

Yesterday in Epilogue Gallery in Long Grove another object caught my eye, an object emblematic of what it means to participate in this society.  The workmanship-detail, the flamboyant color, and the whimsical rendition of animal life, all using an ancient mythical story as medium of expression –is an object that speaks of the texture of American life.  In size the ceramic object is approximate to the size of a basketball.

Many of us are acquainted with the story of Noah’s Ark, a big boat constructed to rescue animal life, and human life from the disaster of an ancient deluge.  The animals were sheltered, sustained in pairs until the flood waters receded.  The flood myth is common to the heritage of ancient civilizations of the middle east.

This artistic rendition, in ceramic reminded me of what fascinated me as a child about the story.  I could imagine the animals safe, satisfied to be cared for until the disaster was past.  Kudos to creator Dan Ferguson for bringing forth “truth” from a mythic tale.

This too is what it means to be here now, bearing the victories and defeats of successive generations within us, extending back to the very first telling of the story of Noah’s Ark.

Not to be left in a philosophical conundrum here is a chorus that I remember brought joy in Sunday school of many years ago.