Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site randvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!randvax!edhall From: edhall@randvax.UUCP (Ed Hall) Newsgroups: net.women,net.singles Subject: Re: recent (beastly) articles Message-ID: <2215@randvax.UUCP> Date: Thu, 27-Dec-84 14:51:18 EST Article-I.D.: randvax.2215 Posted: Thu Dec 27 14:51:18 1984 Date-Received: Sat, 29-Dec-84 23:18:22 EST References: <282@sftri.UUCP> <1894@sun.uucp> Organization: Rand Corp., Santa Monica Lines: 30 Xref: dcdwest net.women:2487 net.singles:3211 I suspect there is a problem here (a friend calls it ``the `wimpification' of the American male''), but I don't think it is just a male problem. I think it is the result of the increasingly self-concious nature of the American psyche: our intense obsession with ``self-image'', and with such self-centered emotions as guilt, greed, and vengence. The reason men and not women are perceived as developing this affliction is that the traditional female role covers it well by allowing it to be couched in passive terms. But I think that a ``crisis of the will'' exists in both sexes. It isn't so much that people need to ``get in touch'' with a particular part of themselves--such inward direction is already over-indulged in. Perceptions and actions are already far too colored by self-expectations and rationalizations. We insist on being ``in control'' (a good part of the evil side of the male role manifests itself here) so that our selves can be pushed and manipulated into what we think they should be. And if we now start thinking there is a ``hairy beast'' inside, we're sure to find it--or create it. We've objectified ourselves: we've become objects. And objects are meant to be manipulated. What is the result of all this, of this self-divided-against-itself? Paralysis of the will. If I spend all my effort trying to will myself into that person I ``know'' I am, how much is left to will action outside of myself? Especially if that action is so strongly inter- twined with my self-image. And since my reign on my actions and perceptions is only so strong, what happens when they get away from me? Self-restraint has all been concentrated in one place. -Ed Hall decvax!randvax!edhall