BREAD AND CIRCUS

Who was Juvenal ? He was Roman poet. He is an author of the famous phrase:
 
                                                                   “Give them bread and circus and they will never revolt”
 
What it means ?

Bread and circus (meaning):

• Activities or official plans that are intended to keep people happy and to stop them from noticing or complaining about problems[1]

 

• "Bread and circuses" (or bread and games; from Latin: panem et circenses) is metonymic for a superficial means of appeasement. In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the generation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion; distraction; or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace, as an offered "palliative". Its originator, Juvenal, used the phrase to decry the selfishness of common people and their neglect of wider concerns. The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the commoner[2]

This form of entertainment was used since times of Roman Empire. What has changed ? Nothing. It is still used today. If it works so great why change it. Who can be entertain ? Anybody. Who can entertain ? Anybody who wishes to do so, knows the methods and has got the experience in implementing it.

Recently known as a promoter of altruistic approach to refugees (take them into your country no matter of the consequences) Pope Francis “through the Office of Papal Charities invited the poor, the homeless, refugees, a group of prisoners, people and families who are in need, along with some volunteers, to a circus show.”

A circus show ?

Yes, really.

The whole 2100 places was available for them.

How this supposed to help them in solving their life’s problems ? What they can gain from it ? Is this the best way to help them ? This people need homes, stable countries, no wars, jobs, good education, natural foods. This is called basics.
What is the point of taking them to the circus other than distract them and make them to forget about their problems for a little while ? The truth is, the hard reality hits them back again once the show is over. Even the packed dinner is not going to change much in their life’s. If some of them are get overwhelmed by the richness of the day - Vatican Health Service is on the site. 

Great.

What if instead of circus they organize an event on which are displayed beautiful paintings of nature (scenery, landscape, animals) to remind them what is important in life ? This would be a good start point. I think it could have better effect than watching clowns and trained animals. To make it even more interesting you hire a musician playing violin and offer books to read on the subject of legends, poetry, myths.





[1] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bread-and-circuses

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_circuses