So much of "Western" culture makes sense in terms of an obsession with moments. "Western civilization", as it's advertised in entertainment and media, is mostly a collection of great moments—a few points in history chosen, arranged, meticulously curated, endlessly discussed, and then the rest of history is a smooth mathematical curve drawn through these few points. Rome was great because of some battles and buildings; the oppression and squalor experienced by the people of Rome—which drove some of them towards Christianity in the first place—isn't supposed to matter. Being remembered forever, THAT is what matters.
The same model is applied to personal relationships. People will heedlessly wreck all their friendships and familial affections in order to assure themselves a "perfect" marriage ceremony (with a "perfect" wedding night, of course) because of this terminal fixation with great moments. Conversely, there's a fixation on damning people with single moments. "You crossed this line, therefore God gives me permission to hate you forever," is one of Western society's most durable convictions.
I guess my moment's fading. Heh.
~Chara
