Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83 based; site houxh.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxj!houxm!houxh!waynez From: waynez@houxh.UUCP (W.ZAKARAS) Newsgroups: net.women,net.singles Subject: Re: recent (beastly) articles Message-ID: <409@houxh.UUCP> Date: Thu, 3-Jan-85 10:30:30 EST Article-I.D.: houxh.409 Posted: Thu Jan 3 10:30:30 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 4-Jan-85 00:33:28 EST References: <282@sftri.UUCP> <1894@sun.uucp>, <2215@randvax.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ Lines: 36 Xref: watmath net.women:3951 net.singles:5173 >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 > WOW !!! Billy Graham couldn't have said it any better. A REAL Revelation. WayneZ...