Humiliation

A. Quite a bit, actually. Wayne focuses on humiliation as a possible act of redemption, as with Christ. He brings in his own experiences often, going back to childhood. He knows a lot about writers, actors, artists, slaves and others, who have, he believes, found a way to turn their humiliations into art. Q. Such as? A. Well, Jean Genet and Antonin Artaud come to mind. He focuses a lot on Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson, whom he feels were severely humiliated, but especially Michael. He lists about six or seven reasons why Michael should have felt humiliated, starting with beatings by his father, then being used by the public as a young performer, culminating in mistreatment by the police when he was arrested. Here are some artists he discusses: Jose Saramago, who wrote a novel, "The gospel according to Jesus Christ." Also, Anne Sexton. He also references little-known authors who have also touched on humiliation. Julia Kristeva wrote "The powers of horror." Q. So this book is worth reading? A. Yes, but it's not for people with weak stomachs (not because he focuses on vomit quite a bit). Wayne talks about cruising in men's rooms and his fantasies about men's genitals and such. To him, this is a catharsis, revealing to his readers, through this book, some of his innermost humiliations. He brings in many, many themes of humiliation, some sickening, like hostages in Iran being made to lick dirty toilets. But the book is short so it doesn't take long to finish. Actually, it should be read more than once. It should be read many times to get its full meaning. It is full of truth, but it's written in a rambling, poetic manner, not a logical sequence. I understand that Wayne is a poet. Q. So do you have any observations for readers? A. Wayne is a poet and a writer, apparently attempting to make a living in these fields. He has to write something that people will buy, that publishers will buy. I think he's overdoing his attention to himself, though. Listen to what a spiritual teacher, Guy Finley, has to say: "Once we realize there is nothing to be gained by talking to ourselves about our own lives, or about what others may have done to us, then we stand on the threshold of a New Order of Mind capable of hearing what the Heavens wish us to know, and that converses with Celestial Forces whose only purpose is to see our contentment." I don't think Wayne believes in such ideas, not now. One day, as he ages, I think he will.