We want our idols to be dead because it makes death a much less scary place

We want our idols to be dead because it makes death a much less scary place

Doug Coupland is a Canadian author and artist known for his satirical and thought-provoking works that often explore themes of consumerism, technology, and the human experience in the modern world. One of his most famous novels, "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture," coined the term "Generation X" and captured the disillusionment and existential angst of young adults in the 1990s.

In the context of the quote "We want our idols to be dead because it makes death a much less scary place," Coupland's work often delves into the complexities of fame, celebrity, and mortality. In a society obsessed with fame and celebrity culture, the death of an idol can have a profound impact on how we perceive our own mortality.

When a beloved celebrity dies, it can serve as a reminder of our own mortality and the impermanence of life. It can also evoke feelings of nostalgia and a sense of loss, as we mourn the passing of someone who may have played a significant role in our lives. However, there is also a sense of comfort in knowing that even our idols are not immune to death, and that they too are subject to the same fate as the rest of us.

In his novel "Microserfs," Coupland explores the lives of a group of young tech workers in the early days of the internet boom. The characters in the novel grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and mortality as they navigate the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley. Coupland's characters often struggle with feelings of alienation and disconnection, as they search for meaning in a world that is increasingly driven by technology and consumerism.