Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Charade (08/14/08)
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TITLE: Deception Strategy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sheri Gordon
08/20/08 -
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“I’m told that we had another record breaking week.”
“Absolutely, Boss.”
“Your deception strategy is brilliant, Sir.”
The seven coworkers nodded in agreement as affirmative assessments were being voiced around the room.
“Asmodeus, you’re up first.”
“Well, Boss, the Olympics provided us with a huge windfall. Between the gymnasts’ leotards, skimpy volleyball outfits, and scanty runner’s attire, the male audience is glued to television sets everywhere. And the men divers have women guiltily letting their eyes roam. Even prissy evangelicals are allowing themselves to view semi-nude athletes—all in the name of patriotism. The entire world is buying into the charade that it’s not about sex, it’s about sports. Yeah, right. Sex sells. What a bunch of fools.”
“Well done Asmodeus. I look forward to hearing how you capitalize on the lust that has been created.”
The Boss nodded toward Beelzebub.
“The summer has been prosperous for us, too. Cruise season is running full, which is welcome news after the slow start to the year. It’s easy to convince people to gorge themselves on a cruise. ‘After all,’ we tell them, ‘you’ve already paid for it, you might as well get your money’s worth.’ Then we deceive them into believing that they’ll be able to lose the weight after they return, which of course won’t happen because we’ve got stores already displaying Halloween candy, and then the holiday season—yuck—right behind that. What simpletons—so easily duped.”
“Yes, Beelzebub, I heard those cruises were doing wonders for gluttony. I see your latest report shows that the average person gains eight pounds on a one week cruise. Marvelous. Start pushing some of the longer cruises, and really ramp up those numbers.”
“I’ll go next, Boss. My report coattails on Beelzebub’s.” Leviathan shuffled his notes before continuing.
“The travel shows have proven to be a great place to entice envy. They broadcast from exotic locales, millionaire yachts, fancy-smancy resorts…all stuff the average joe could never afford. People spend hours surfing the net...trying to live like the rich...going into debt. And as summer ends, we lure them into starting to plan for next year’s vacation—hinting that maybe they’ll hit the lottery or something. A masterful chicanery.”
“Indeed, envy is a fun game. Nice job. Mammon, what do you have?”
“As you know, Boss, the rapidly rising cost of living plays right into greed. It’s easy to sell people on the idea that they need to ‘save for their families,’ and then bingo, we’ve got ‘em. No more giving to charities—it’s all ‘me, me, me.’ Under the pretense of saving, and thus doing something good, we’re actually breaking the backs of non-profits. Churches are especially hard-hit.”
“Excellent news, Mammon. Belphegor?”
“It’s not called the ‘lazy days of summer’ for nothing, Sir. And we did great—also thanks to the economy. When people are let-go from their jobs, it’s not hard to convince them that they deserve a break. ‘Summer isn’t a good time to look,’ we whisper, ‘wait until fall.’ Once we’ve tricked them into not looking for employment, we simply slide them into the system. Then our work is done. We don’t have to create the charade any longer, because they do it to themselves. ‘Tomorrow I’ll look for a job…besides, I’ve paid into the system, I’ve earned this time off.’”
“Oh yes, laziness has always been a pretty easy one. Take some time off, Belphegor—you deserve it.” The group around the table chuckled with their Boss.
“Amon?”
“Again, summer and the struggling economy play right into anger. Hot weather, skyrocketing costs, lost jobs…it’s easy to provoke anger. But the best part is, most of them feel it’s righteous anger, and therefore okay. We don’t even have to disguise it, and they think it’s justified. No game-playing for my department—we just throw it out there.”
“And saving the best for last…Lucifer.”
“I would like to humbly say that pride is on the rise.” Lucifer waited for the demonic laughter to subside. “Seriously, have you seen some of those athletes in the Olympics; pounding their chests and taunting their competitors?”
Lucifer turned to their Boss.
“Yes,” Satan concurred, “pride is alive and well.”
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Peter Binsfeld’s classification of demons, prepared in 1589:
Lucifer: pride
Mammon: greed
Asmodeus: lust
Leviathan: envy
Beelzebub: gluttony
Amon: anger
Belphegor: laziness
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You captured the scene perfectly, I could practically smell the sulfur in the air and hear their sizzling voices.