I can tell you first hand as a white male that those men who have done their own work which might parallel the strides of the women’s movement are few and far between. The inherent problem is that the level playing field woman have rightfully demanded can only happen with a relinquishing of power, arrogance and entitlement that certain men have cherished like they were “unalienable rights.” Instead, the new conservative movement seems to want to turn the clock back to the 1950s when gender roles were clearly defined and “boys will be boys” was a defense that could excuse any violent behavior, sexual or otherwise, towards women. Read more…
Treading the Waters of Spirituality
I don’t believe in a spiritual path any more than in a bird or a fish who maps out all of its wanderings in advance. I also don’t believe in the unassailability of spirituality any more than the pretension of a pedophile priest. Just by saying “spiritual” in some context, one can allege to be immune to criticism and reproach. It’s the hope of light without shadow. Read more…
A Letter To The World
Dear World — I’m feeling uncertain about this transition taking place in America. But I wanted to give you an update from my vantage point in rural New Mexico.
First and foremost, I do not want to disparage President Trump. He is a perfect product of contemporary capitalism which appears to be on steroids, a culture that endorses shame and blame as a way to live, spiritual hobbyists, the superficiality of social media and television that encourages emotional vulgarity, and the stern father archetype. Unless I’m mistaken, this was the role model President Trump had for a father. These are men, like many, who fear leading a self-examined life. Read more…
America’s Addiction
Listening recently to an NPR segment on the high number of deaths in Chicago, I found myself agreeing with all of the perspectives offered: loss of hope, poverty, gang wars, access to guns and lack of opportunity. But I wondered about the elephant in the room; the ever present American cultural message that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. It’s in our films, on television, in video games and everywhere in the news while our Department of Defense budget exceeds 600 billion dollars. Bullying and the psychological violence that ensues has expanded from the grade school playground and made it all the way to Presidential politics. We seem to be obsessed with violence and aggressive behavior. Read more…