Michael Scott: A Depiction of an American Phenomenon

How many of you have seen The Office? In this television show there is a boss named Michael Scott. The more I watch The Office, the more I see that Michael Scott is the epitomy of so many Americans today: lonely, looking for any type of meaning, and completely absorbed by work by default.

Loneliness is an unspoken plague that has infiltrated every part of America from rich to poor, white to black, and young to old. It is amazing. And Michael Scott is a perfect portrayal of what this looks like. If you ever watch the show, it is evident in almost everything that he does. He is constantly looking for a friend - any friend, any friend at all. Weekends are killer for him. He is constantly asking for a friend to do stuff with him. He is constantly depressed when everyone else does things without him. He jumps at any chance to gain friendship in any form. Even though he hides it with jokes, shenanigans, and laughter – anyone can see that Michael Scott is terribly lonely.

Also, Michael Scott is looking for any type of meaning in his life. He is constantly trying to fit into any group that he can. He tries to be fulfilled through different events, projects, and programs. Michael searches and searches for anything that will give his life any meaning outside of the small influence he has at work. The mental picture that it leaves is like someone grasping at straws. Michael truly is grasping at straws as he pretends that he is involved in philanthropy, sports, and everything else. Any time anybody brings up any sort of group, Michael always pretends to be involved. But you can easily see that he would love to be involved with something – anything. Anything that can bring his life a little bit of meaning.

But since he does not have a ton of friends and no other places where he can find meaning, Michael has to completely absorb himself in his work by default. He loves his work. He loves the people at his work. He focuses all of his energy, interests, efforts, and life toward his work. Granted, I am sure he would love to find meaning in something else, as well. But all Michael had was his work. And that was the only place and the only opportunity where he could insert himself.

In my opinion, loneliness is one of the biggest problems in America. Life being lived without meaning is also another one of the biggest problems. These things lead people to dedicate their lives to their work, and yet they still are not going to be satisified.

Where there are problems, there are opportunities. The Church can provide tangible help and authentic Hope to everyone suffering from loneliness and lack of meaning. There is a giant opportunity for good people of The Way to fill this void in people’s lives – to fill it with love, friendship, and the purpose that comes with Jesus Christ.

The Church needs to be able to recognize and assist the Michael Scott’s of the world. How? That’s a whole nother question…