Prelude to story.
This story came about out of anger originally. I was sick of hearing a guy complain about having no power after the tornados. He had a house, a car, a job, no damages, and still that wasn't enough. He thought not having power for a couple of days was not fair. But since I generally do not right when mad or attach someone I waited with my thoughts, pondering them, listening to them, and eventually got to what I consider the root of the problem. So here it is.
Rite of passage. You have heard the phrase and understand the concept of it but do you see the problems from lack of it? The other day I heard a young man complaining about not having power. No power..... seems to be an issue these days that bring us to our knees. A complete standstill. Oh my God, what will we do, we have no power! This is what got me thinking of the Rite of Passage. A tradition I think needs to come back in a bad way.
All cultures tend to have some kind of rite. Whether is hunting, fighting, or some other physical activity to prove you are worthy of being considered a man and carrying on your family name. Trial and error, Blood, pain, sweat, and a driving need to succeed.
Boys used to have to prove their worth even when I was a child. When I was young I would go work with my Dad carrying stuff, as I got older, I learned how to cut grass, wash cars, change tires, fix cars, swim, use a hammer, saw, use hand tools, handle weapons, and build stuff. Each one a small accomplishment and in it's own way a Rite of passage to the next task. What did it accomplish? It produced a MAN. I man capable of raising, taking care of, and defending family, friends, and a community if need be.
It seems to me that this type of raising is disappearing. We get out cars washed and repaired by others. Our lawns tended to by others. We buy all or food already processed. We watch life from the comfort of our couches and recliners and this is the actions our kids see. So the next generation will be even softer, weaker, and a bigger dependent than the last.
In our desperate attempt to find ourselves, get in touch with our softer side, or get in touch with our emotions, we have successfully neglected the man. The MAN, you know the one that stands proud, strong, and able. Women want Men. Strong able bodied men. Not pansies. Not someone scared of bugs, snakes, animals, or strangers. We are protectors and suppliers. Isn't it time we acted like it so our Sons know how to act and our Daughters know what kind of man to look for?
