Thursday, July 09 2009
RARE SPECIMENS The spread of fear is an insidious disease that slowly paralyzes and corrupts, not visibly as with a physical disease, but within. The article I just finished reading is a perfect example of the fear propaganda we are exposed to in the constant stream of advice on the "mating game," aimed primarily at women in the magazines they read. The article stated that eligible men are becoming a scarce species, on a par with the whooping crane and buffalo. Written by a marriage counselor (who should know better) it goes on to say that of course such a condition is unfair but, fair or not, women must accept these facts and alter their behavior accordingly. It then proceeds to give lucid advice to the female of the species on the best tracking methods to employ in search of this rare specimen. Evidently all she needs to outfit her safari is a complete departure from her true nature and the scruples of a stalking tiger. It does not elucidate what she does with the big game once bagged. Nor does it mention that every specimen in the bush may not be worth the effort. And, chicken-hearted, such advice stops once the rice is swept up. Statistics like these play a big part in the battle of the sexes. Such quotations accomplish a devious male purpose. They instill fear in the female, produce a wary attitude in the male, and inflate male ego. He could even be in the "throwback" category, but here -- in black and white -- is proof positive of how rare and valuable he is. This cat and mouse game only produces mutual disappointment. Many feel concern, especially parents, at the tremendous upheaval taking place in the morals and relalationships of our civilization. But I cannot believe the answer lies in more fear. For that which dims the spirit as it sates the senses is not love, no matter what social sanction it may bear. Holy matrimony implies "whole." Signifying a union of two souls as well as two bodies. A linking together of two lives, two separate destinies for mutual benefit and mutual understanding. I am weary of experts, regardless of their credentials, who offer solutions to problems that are essentially spiritual. (I did not say religious.) The men and women living today are the experts; those caught up in a search for something lasting and real amidst the confusing mores of today's world. They will be the experts --- those who do the living. So as a nation "of the people," we will write our own history. it takes intelligence of a high order to refuse to be swept up in any kind of propaganda. An abilty to see hidden motives and foresee results. We are told there is divine love, and then there is human love. Who said they are supposed to be separate? The example given by the man Jesus above all was honest, containing no element of force or flattery. If we had the courage to apply this basic recipe to human relationships, it could sweep away the heartaches so often associated with human love. And because of the sexual freedom in today's world, men are no longer stampeded into a union because of physical impetus or need. Therefore, if obligations are accepted in today's freer society, they should be by mutual consent and for mutual benefit. An easy-to-remember picture is a three-legged stool. Unless mind, body, and spirit are involved, you have a lop-sided stool, incapable of supporting much weight. So maybe it's time to learn the difference between a marriage license and a driver's license. Both have responsibility attached, but marriage implies dual control of the vehicle toward a goal. Let's forget the statistics and concentrate on ourselves. Like attracts like, you know. Let's admit the real quarry we seek is a warm. enduring, honest companionship that adds stature to both parties. In simple words, a deep friendship --- with wings! * * * | |||||||
|
