Confession

The Huichol Indians of Mexico make a long trek pilgrimage each year to renew creation. Among the rituals that are a part of this journey, one is the ritual of confession. Each person in the group ties a knot in a string for each sin. The sins are confessed openly, even infidelity in front of the wife. After the confession, the string is thrown into the fire (Father Fire) and the person is cleansed to be able to continue the pilgrimage.

This ritual confession seems strange to some. But look at contemporary America. On talk shows, people bare their disgusting behaviors in front of strangers in the studio audience and strangers in the TV audience. Money for them, money for the host and money the station. Humiliation more than healing.

Then there’s crude and abusive behavior known to the inner circle for years. Up it pops as a result of the courage of victims. But there are no shamans or priests or heal. It’s the lawyers and the reputation managers who jump in.

Recently a young man wrote and performed a rap song about suicide. He delivered it in a staged spectacle with lots of bling, lights and even some folks who were victims of depression lining the stage in similar outfits. The chorus line?

What does it say about our culture when the quiet ritual of healing becomes a glitzy stage show or a sleazy talk show or a public fall from grace?