Double Shock

Something disgusting and shocking happens, and you read about it, or see it on TV or the net. You are disgusted and shocked by what you see. Then you notice something else: it seems like nobody else is shocked. This shocks you even more. However, it doesn't stop there, because of the deeper levels of shock. You begin to enter a feedback loop of shock. Eventually, this leaves you permanently shocked. Everything you publicly do is carried out in a state of latent shock.

You go to the store in shock. You keep appointments in shock. You walk down the street in shock. Peoples faces are masks that allow them to hide their state of shock. Any time you think about how shocked you are - it shocks you more.

It's really rather shocking.

- August Hayes