since art is giving out prizes : special award goes to disaster , and the special prizefor young artist - to misery Rachel Sukman say , uninterrupted , the executions . The cruel excitement and coarse compassion raised by an execution formed an important item in the spiritual food of the common people . They were spectacular plays with a moral . horrible crimes the law invented atrocious punishments At Brussels a young incendiary and murderer is in the centre of a circle of burning fagots and straw , made fast to a stake by means of a chain running an iron ring . He addresses touching words to spectators , 'and he so softened their hearts that one burst into tears and his death was commended the finest that was ever seen ' . " The "execution" was broadcast live , the sights burning and collapse were instantaneously transmitted to the living rooms of rich and poor alike . It mesmerized the masses . However , this terrible sight of disaster shook western civilization gradually transforme...
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