On Authenticity

The other side of the search for authenticity is the search of authenticity. While one seeks to fill a lack, the other influences a separate trajectory not yet defined.

In a rather bland scene from Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, a brief interaction between the pale librarian and the friendly security guard is described. There's Judy Dark, in her power/knowledge position and grey suit and Officer O'Hara with shiny hair and service job.

These characters represent the interaction between and both sides of the authentic. She goes home alone to eat a veal chop and read a fantasy novel. He calls her miss, asks to see her smile, and is unfamiliar with the word lovely.