An allegory of house for Global warming

Last Updated on June 25, 2023

In the following story, The word Netflix metaphorically stands for “Entertainment and Economy”. Not even the Netflix corporation itself and nothing more. All I am trying to show is how the issue of Global warming or Climate change looks like if the planet is seen as our home.

Our house is on fire, has been for hundreds of years, but now the fire is only getting bigger and hotter. We are stuck. We can’t get out of the house because all the exits are blocked. Neither can we call anyone nor get any help from outside.

The fire was started to keep the house warm by burning the house itself. Now, it might seem obviously stupid, but back then, when it was started, the house was very big and the family stayed inside was very small. So, burning a few wooden planks wasn’t a concern. Those who started the fire to keep the house warm didn’t think it would be a much bigger issue later. Pioneers and inventors of warming-house technology or now popularly known as arsonists are in the books of history and long gone.

Now, some people are worried and want to put down the fire and stop it before it gets too late. They also know they can’t do it themselves alone. But, others don’t share the same concern with the same urgency.

So, within the house on fire, some are just taking a nap, unaware of the issue. Some are aware but they couldn’t turn away from Netflix and some want to fan the flames or light more fires just because it pays them well.

People who want to put down the fire think that fire is damaging the house, breaking down, bit by bit, slowly and systematically. They want others to join the cause – saving the house. However, others are worried that if the house is not warm then they won’t get to watch Netflix in “comfy”. Some folks who are well-informed say they can keep the house warm without having to light the house on fire. But, their voices are unheard and unsupported.

Netflix streamers are the overwhelming majority of the household. Their sole purpose of living is Netflix. It is the only way of living they have known ever since they are born. It doesn’t matter if the house is on fire unless their TV and Netflix subscription is not safe. Seeing this as the weakness, the fire makers get Netflix streamers on their side by getting them Netflix subscriptions, High-speed internet, and a giant-screen TV.

Moreover, Firekeepers and makers scare others into believing that if there is no fire, they won’t be comfy enough to watch Netflix and they say “they have to do whatever it takes to keep Netflix going”. Sometimes, they use misinformation like “if there is no fire we would fall prey to diseases that are being killed by fire”. They are influential, have all the resources, and are effective in their rhetoric.

Some Netflix streamers do think the house being on fire is a serious problem – a slow poison, but they also believe it is out of their hands and no leader or concerned member is doing seriously anything about it. Though they themselves may be one of the qualified members to act on it in the house, they are too concerned about missing out on the next episode of their favorite show on Netflix.