Good evening GarGoyles and GarGuys…
Last evening Colin Lucas-Mudd, whom I’ve had the distinct pleasure of slowly getting to know this past year, created the attached post, entitled Gargoyles to Roast Todd Akin–Ladies Take Note, Men Take Care, inspired by my having placed two charming Gargoyles (which Colin and his wife Donna Lucas-Mudd named Gregorio and Pandora Giovanna) in my garden to protect our house while it is being restored from a water catastrophe.
Colin, whose decades of involvement in various métiers – company CEO, business advisor, start up entrepreneur, philanthropic capitalist, author, journalist, father, husband, optimistic cynic and humorist, in addition to having lived on both sides of the Pond – leads him to produce G+ commentary that is thoughtful, undeniably and distinctly opinionated, yet always balanced, detailed, well-mannered, witty (and rarely cynical), is also a wonderful poet.
In two separate incidents of mad, inspired and quite voluntarily wordsmithing, Colin penned an Ode to Gregorio and Pandora’s Prayer, which are about the various elegiac subject matters of love, devotion, friendship, conversation, home, hearth…and, of course, Gargoyles. While Colin’s compositions might indeed seem to have been so effortless and lighthearted, which is his gift, their origin is in fact rooted (no garden metaphor intended) in the threats Pandora feels are nipping away, not only at the Hydrangeas she and Gregorio love so much to sit among, but at the very sense of security, safety and peace I’ve charged her and her companion to establish around our house until we can move back in.
When I posted Pandora’s picture, I explained her slightly grumpy visage and obviously apprehensive mood as due to her concern over current political, social and cultural issues seemingly drawn more and more along gender lines rather than merely party lines (Pandora does read the papers you know), and how it is becoming more and more difficult for women and Goyles to protect hearth and home for those they love.
Indeed Pandora seems keenly in tune with how beleaguered women feel, for while I was placing her here and there, trying to find the exact right spot for her on the Front Porch, within earshot of Gregorio, she rather matter-of-factly blurted out, “Is everyone hibernating? Isn’t anyone paying attention to the plethora of articles recently about human women’s concerns about the economy, healthcare, education, employment opportunities and wages? And why does this Romney/Ryan duo seem to dislike women so much? What is up with that? And what’s all this nonsense about making it so difficult for women to be healthy and successful, and make decisions for themselves? And why aren’t there more women at the top? I don’t understand why their advancement has taken so long. After all, they’ve been around as long as men have. What ever is going on? And who is this human Akin? Is he for real? Didn’t his mother and father teach him how to properly behave? Really…is he for real?”
Gregorio, listening attentively, stirred beneath his Oak Leaf Hydrangea plant, and when Pandora was comfortable in her new spot responded with a heavy sigh, “Yes, Pandora, I’m afraid he is. He is unenlightened and does not understand the negativity of his words. Males and females of the human kind must indeed learn to respect, listen to and nurture one another. There is no other way.”
Pandora looked at him and said, “Gregorio, let’s start a Renaissance, for surely this division among the sexes cannot continue if there is to be peace, love and harmony.” Gregorio nodded vigorously, “Yes, let’s. We will teach them that there is no such thing as peace and prosperity without balance and gender equality.” Thus was born the Grand Alliance Renaissance-Goyles.
It would be all too easy for Colin to shy away from writing such Odes and suggesting the creation of such a progressive movement such as The Alliance, lest anyone (male or female) think such a campaign represented some sort of feminist cri (Heaven forbid!).
And it would be all too easy for me to shy away from pointing out the plethora of articles to which Pandora referred in her concerned blurt-age, out of fear that some people might rush forward and quickly declare there isn’t any need for such a thing as gender equality because there is no discrimination to begin with.
But shying away from controversial Odes is not in Colin’s nature, nor is it in mine to back away from the many posts I have made in the past several months about these all too important issues, posts in which, I’m happy to report, men have participated in the discussion as much as women.
Some of you might be inclined to note, ‘Well, why shouldn’t they, these issues affect men and women equally.’ Well, yes they should affect them equally, but, unfortunately, they don’t in reality. Thus the necessity for Goyles of the World Unite – a Call to Action, and +Colin Lucas-Mudd’s post, which I reshare with you tonight.
I’m also quite happy to report that I’m not the only woman asking what is going on I our political and cultural climate. Many men are as well, one of them being Greg Hampikian, who wrote an article for the Times on August 24th, entitled Men, Who Needs Them?, which I had missed but Colin thankfully caught:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/opinion/men-who-needs-them.html
Therefore I offer up Pandora’s Essential Nighttime Grand Alliance Renaissance Reading:
For Women, It’s Not Just About the Economy by Luisita Lopez Torregrosa
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/22/us/22iht-letter22.html?_r=1&src=recg
Strong Opinions on the 2012 Election: What’s a Republican Feminist to Do, by Jamie Stiehm
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/whats-a-republican-feminist-to-do/?hp
In Google’s Inner Circle, a Falling Number of Women, by Claire Cain Miller
I do hope that, no matter your political affiliation or your gender, you will join the Alliance in promoting equality and respect among the sexes, and promote a thorough rejection of persons such as Akin as representative of the best interests of either men or women.
At the very least, as always, I welcome your thoughts, opinions and comments, either here or on Colin’s original post, which can be found here:
https://plus.google.com/100324134371388101482/posts/P6uuEBrKnE9
Thank you GarGoyles and GarGuys, one and all.
Have a lovely, safe, secure and peaceful evening.
Giselle
Originally shared by Colin Lucas-Mudd
Gargoyles to Roast Todd Akin—Ladies Take Note, Men Take Care
First of all I must thank Giselle Minoli for the inspiration to write this post. More accurately, I must thank the ancient species that has decided to requisition Giselle’s garden as the HQ for their movement to restore balance. Balance between Left and Right. Equality between humanity’s genders. The Grand Alliance Renaissance-Goyles is a movement of which we should all take note.
Now as many should know, the Gargoyle is a hermaphroditic species—just look at the flying buttresses where, until the race decided to grace Giselle’s garden, the majority were to be found. Gender is of no importance to the Gargoyle—the race understands the meaning of equality. They merge the characteristics that divide humanity. On the female side—this would be the [Jersey accent] Goyle, they protect with a ferocity only equalled by a mother lion ensuring the survival of her pride—and joy. On the male side, they hang out of in bastions of male dominance—the church and, in times past, the banks and edifices that epitomized control and power. As such, possessing both qualities in equal proportions, they provided balance.
However, over the millennia they have watched. They have listened. Now, as they see that Goyles have equal power in social fora they have decided that the time is right to act. Witnessing the increasing voice of Goyles and their continued subjugation in too many cultures—national, race, financial, business, and the church—they have decided to empower the human Goyles.
As Gargoyles have discovered, social media increasingly drives small business. Small business, in turn, is increasingly managed and succeeds through the efforts of Goyles. There’s a message here. Given that the economy remains our number one priority, and the base of much power, the balance is shifting—quickly.
The manifesto is still in the committee stage. The verse, with all due credit to Lewis Carroll, is complete. Ladies, please read—chaps too—we’re a Symbiotic team. Todd Akin supporters, don’t bother. Please just go and hang out with the Trolls—in the sun.
Goyles of the World Unite—A Call to Action
The time has come, the Gargoyles said,
To speak of many things, to speak of rights,
Of justice, peace,
Not cabbages and kings.
To fight for concepts in which we believe,
And where we ‘Goyles’ know best,
To understand equality,
And educate the rest.
‘The rest’ you say—I hear you ask,
That’s the other half my dear,
The male of the species,
Those Akin believes we fear.
For here we ‘Goyles’ are not alone,
Although ‘twould not appear,
Just look at voting patterns—at polls,
You’ll see the time is near.
The time is nigh, the time is right,
The tipping point is close,
The time when ‘Goyles’ will rise as one,
And make the male toast.
OK that’s tough, a bit too far,
That’s more than generalized,
It’s not the gender that’s at fault,
The media takes that prize.
A Grand Alliance, that’s what we need,
A pact of left and right,
A Centrist approach to bridge the gap,
And make the future bright.
A brighter future for us all,
Both sides of the divide,
Male, female, left and right,
In which we all take pride.
And so the plan, what’s it to be?
The plan that sets us free,
Consensus management, common sense,
Here ‘Goyles’ hold the key.
So dear reader, to step one,
To the first foot on the path,
Taking action, fighting back,
To neutralize the wrath.
The wrath, you see, and ‘tis the key,
It’s the power that’s so wrong,
Is spawned by Trolls—males most,
Who’ve repressed the ‘Goyles’ too long.
So beware you Trolls, you males most,
The reckoning’s long been past,
‘Though testosterone has it’s place,
Its power is fading fast.
Unlike the Oysters in Carroll’s rhyme,
Take care in whom you bite,
The female of the species,
Is equal to the fight.
Endnotes & References
During the Second World War, The Grand Alliance, otherwise known as the Strange Alliance, brought together the world’s most powerful Capitalist state, the leading Communist state, and the (then), most powerful, but declining, Colonial power. Essentially it was an alliance of necessity, created to address Nazi Germany’s uncontrolled power grab. It worked.
For those who are unfamiliar with Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There where the oysters, the Walrus, and the Carpenter are to be found, the full verse may be found here: http://goo.gl/8JQVz. On the topic of links, Giselle’s original post may be found here: http://goo.gl/7Zxdv.
Anyone unfamiliar with the need to roast Todd Akin, and those who would seek to justify his position, may care to read this piece from the Huffington Post: http://goo.gl/ZaY2p
August 29, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Those aren’t gargoyles they’re grotesques.
August 29, 2012 at 11:13 pm
A gargoyle is a grotesque used as a water pipe. Those are just grotesques.
August 30, 2012 at 12:19 am
Good evening Giselle Minoli. Brilliant! The anthropomorphic overlay and interpretation is exquisite. I’ve just returned from an extended investor meeting but will read the links and comment in detail later.
August 30, 2012 at 12:22 am
The pedantic Troll’s a sorry beast,
As he lurches from post to post,
Feeding on the heart and soul,
Of those who care the most.
Of those who take the time to think,
To write and to engage,
To offer thoughtful commentary,
Designed to not enrage.
But here, I believe, that there is hope,
For Trolls are not all equal,
There are a few, not many ‘tis true,
Who read the riposte—the sequel.
They slink away, quite smug at first,
Seeking pastures new,
But in the night the scenes repeat,
Some take a different view.
Some convert, they see the light,
And slowly change their tone,
They engage, contribute, start afresh,
These Trolls don’t turn to stone.
August 30, 2012 at 12:28 am
I agree completely Siamak Manzarpour. Besides, St. Romanus had fire, rather than water, on his mind when he delivered—or so he thought—the countryside around Rouen of the Gargouille in the early 7th Century.
August 30, 2012 at 12:40 am
Hmmm… I’m not so sure Matthew Graybosch. I like the concept. However, I believe that roasting over a fire that is generating heat at the same time, with the Akin Bacon providing nutrition for the Korowai tribe in Papua, may be more carbon efficient than the space vehicle’s additional payload.
August 30, 2012 at 1:00 am
OK Giselle Minoli, I’ve now had a chance to read slowly and absorb. Your comments about me aside, there is so much here that deserves a short and pithy series. Not G
plasticizedPlusticized two-liners or ad nauseam text overlays on over-used images, but a series with balance and point-counterpoint. When your writer’s cramp has healed, let’s chat. Have a wonderful evening.August 30, 2012 at 1:39 am
Colin Lucas-Mudd I’m not trolling, I just like English to be used properly.
If u dont than thats your problem not mine.
August 30, 2012 at 1:41 am
And I never said that they looked grotesque.
August 30, 2012 at 1:47 am
You may not, Matthew Graybosch, but don’t tell me I can’t build a gothic cathedral.
Or if you prefer: U mA not but dont tell me cant bild a GC.
August 30, 2012 at 2:02 am
Thank you Siamak Manzarpour and Hello Brent Anthony and Matthew Graybosch .
They are, as Colin Lucas-Mudd points out, in fact, Gargoyles. They are winged creatures, which have been commandeered, for use off of buildings, as charming garden creatures for some time now. They are sold and marketed as Garden Gargoyles. I know because I paid for them. They are most certainly neither grotesque, nor Grotesques, having none of the characteristics of either the adjective or the noun.
The larger point is that you are most certainly trolling Paul Duggan, because, rather than participating in the conversation begun by Colin Lucas-Mudd and me, you have chosen to show up with a questionably critical message, uttering something about correct usage of language, which is interesting, because it would appear that you don’t use it in your own posts, which seem to be limited to only one or two lines…or frequently words.
This is the exact sort of disturbing, unnecessary, unconstructive and negative behavior foisted on people that inspired Colin’s Odes and my post to begin.
QED.
August 30, 2012 at 2:14 am
Have you ever considered a role in Much Ado About Nothing Giselle Minoli? The underlying thread, merging Hero and heroine would seem to blend with perfection. You are mine.
August 30, 2012 at 2:23 am
Colin Lucas-Mudd tell me you are indeed thinking of me as Beatrice, yes? I’m wild for the play. Funny you mention it, because (‘twon’t surprise you, I’m sure) I wrote my senior thesis at St. John’s College (the reason I was asking you about Annapolis) on Dante’s Divine Comedy and La Vita Nuova…and…of course the fact that it is Beatrice who leads Dante to Paradise (only a woman can lead a man to heaven, not the other way around).
Thus our post and all things and all roads, and all Goyles, leading to my Garden.
But you are not surprised, are you?
As an aside, do you think Messieurs Romney, Ryan or Akin have even heard of Dante? Or Beatrice? Or Shakespeare? Hmmmm????? Methinks not….
August 30, 2012 at 2:29 am
Yes indeed, and… No Giselle Minoli. Not surprised at all. I’m just finishing cooking dinner. I’ll respond in detail tomorrow.
On a final note, I believe that our intruder was the perfect exemplar. More tomorrow. There’s so much more to say. Night, night.
August 30, 2012 at 2:31 am
Nite Colin Lucas-Mudd.
August 30, 2012 at 7:44 am
Matthew Graybosch A little bit, but I was going to be polite and not mention it.
August 30, 2012 at 7:48 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargouille
August 30, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Matthew Graybosch Siamak Manzarpour Right. For many years I had the good fortune of studying (theatre) in New York with a highly respected Broadway director, who often talked about the impact of negativity on ensemble work, i.e., one negative person in a cast could negatively impact an entire play, but that the opposite is not true…one cast member’s positive energy rarely if ever effects the group if the rest of the cast is collectively holding negative energy.
Over the years I’ve thought about the application of that in similar scenarios – work, politics, sports, business endeavors, families even. A person’s intent matters a great deal. In the theatre, you can see it instantly, which is why “casting” is so crucial to the outcome.
G+ is a kind of site specific theatre, an analogy many have used to describe the collective coming together of opinions, points of view, awareness, cultural backgrounds and, to be sure, intents on this platform.
While we may not be able to “cast” our plays on G+, I do absolutely believe that in a larger context we can do something about the Akins of the world. Maintaing, nurturing and, in fact, growing a positive energy against such destructive people takes concerted effort. Popeye comes to mind…
August 30, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Culturally, Yes, I think there are many things to learn from letting races run their course. Whether I think he should drop out is almost irrelevant because that moment in time will come when and if it comes. The collective learning moments and events leading up to that will be interesting. Throughout all of this it is clear that there is much redefining of party (parties) intent(s) going on. There always seems to be one person that stands out in the crowd and catalyzes a swirl of controversy around them. At the moment, it is Akin and it will shift again.
August 30, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Matthew Graybosch I tend to agree with you. As a woman, however, here is my concern: as with trolls in G+, usually the presence of just one is enough to make women leave the conversation because the amount of energy it takes to deal with that person is cosiderable. The conversation is often derailed, and the enthusiasm for the conversation has to be shifted to circling the wagons against the troll. Women… Goyles … (and I think many men, too, although they might indeed have more stomach for it) can tend to back away because not only is it boring, but there are too many other things with which one has to occupy one’s time.
Thus…the continued presence of someone like Akin. That sort of person continually resurfaces in the form of a different man, one moment it is Limbaugh, another moment it is Akin.
So, again, yes I think the light needs to shine brightly, but I am concerned about the backing away factor, not only at the voting booth but every day, in fact.
August 30, 2012 at 1:36 pm
I love your ferocity Matthew Graybosch. I can’t wait until you are a huge book seller and hordes of people get to know you.
Until then, there is Akin to be dealt with. Limbaugh’s attack on Sandra Fluke turned her into a huge star. So many people came to her rescue that I understand she landed a big job in D.C. Payback.
Akin’s comments, however, are generalized and, as such, I think quite poisonous. It would be easier had they been directed at one human being. As it is his words belie an underlying pernicious belief about women that is more than serious. It’s a foot binding sort of comment. Again…thus Colin Lucas-Mudd’ post.
August 30, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Well, that would certainly enhance your fame, now wouldn’t it Matthew Graybosch?
August 30, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Love the exchange between you and Matthew Graybosch and personally think Akin needs to get out as he is really a disgrace. Now onto gargoyles;I personally think they are cute;if we’re just talking esthetics. To each his own but on G+ I think that if people are intelligent,they can manage to express their opinions and feelings without insulting others. Here’s to famous authors Matthew and also “our” Giselle Minoli who should NEVER have to “deal with G+ trolls” in the first damn place.
August 30, 2012 at 2:40 pm
If Akin were the only person who thinks like he does, that would be one thing. The real problem is that he isn’t. While the “right wing” (which has basically taken over the Republican party) has tried to distance itself from him, underneath all the layers of rhetoric remains a deep conviction about who should be “in charge” of our country (White Christian males). I wasn’t able to watch the convention last night but someone who was watching Paul Ryan’s speech texted me these little blurbs from his speech:
“each one of us was made for a reason, bearing the image and likeness of the lord of life”
“our rights come from nature and God and not from government”
Uncoded: If you’re a woman, you know what your “reason” for living is. Stay in your place and you will be fine. If you don’t follow the words of the Bible, you will be damned. If you are poor (or even just having a hard time of it), that’s God’s will and it’s not the government’s job to help you in any way.
The reason we have to worry is not simply about this election or about the Akins of the world. We need to worry that what we are witnessing is an assault on much of the progress we have made as a more inclusive society.
August 30, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Anita, I couldn’t agree with you more. Perhaps what I find most disturbing about it is the “packaging” that the Romney/Ryan duo’s messages is all dressed up in. It is that frat boy Captain of the Foodball or Baseball team imagery that partially makes it so difficult for those who are listening to the words you’ve printed above not screw their faces up in disbelief when they hear them.
I mean, people look at these men and they think, “But, they’re well dressed and in shape and successful and articulate, and they are upstanding citizens, right? What could be bad about their messages?” But packaging is deceptive and dangerous, because, as Madison Avenue well knows, you can hide true meaning under decoration. No surprise that Ted Bundy was well-groomed and wore suit jackets.
We have become very “package” oriented and are easily fooled by the message. Yes, it is an assault on much of the progress we have made as a more inclusive society. Do women really understand that? This is my concern.
August 30, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Ah! Perfect Anita Law. Thanks for the quote and the logic. Now Giselle Minoli and the rest of the Goyles would one of you like to point out to Ryan & Co. that God is, in fact, a woman. Game, Set, and Match, methinks.
I would be happy to take on the task, unfortunately I am not a believer in any single all-seeing deity.
August 30, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Hate to disagree with you Colin Lucas-Mudd but if God were a woman, we would have had a very different world!
August 30, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Anita;true about multiple Akins….but when someone goes public with it,they need to be ousted I think….
Giselle we are SUCH a package society….why else would so many people WORSHIP the Kardashians for goodness sakes….yuk….
I have my own perceptions of God and am not comfortable discussing so publicly. Matthew Graybosch that was quite a bold statement and I hope you don’t get a barrage of crap from people who want to cram their views down your throat.;-)
August 30, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Exactly Giselle Minoli. As you say, they are packaged so well. Even the person who sent me those Ryan quotes was impressed with the way Ryan appeared and spoke!
They all talk about each other as “decent” family men. I don’t doubt that they are good to their families. My concern is that they harken a “father knows best” attitude which they want to impose (actually, RE-impose, on our society.
August 30, 2012 at 3:10 pm
No question that Akins needs to be ousted Kim Crawford. He is an embarrassment. All I am saying is that there are thousands of Akinss, they are just in the closet. They are just a little smarter and speak in “code” like Ryan.
August 30, 2012 at 3:10 pm
What fabulous tautology Anita Law. You see, I agree with you absolutely. Thus my italics on the qualifying single. Given that war is the inevitable consequence of a failure in diplomacy, I believe that its time for a visit to Mount Olympus. I have a feeling that Athena would be delighted to work with us here.
August 30, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Agreed Matthew Graybosch. In the event of the latter, I believe that it’s time for a little education by force.
August 30, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Perhaps speaking in tongues would be more appropriate here Anita Law. The incomprehension element seems to meet the requirement perfectly.
August 30, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Yes Anita Law – I get that same impression when I listen to many of them, and I did actually tune into some of the RNC this year because I want to understand. But their words are crafted, the imagery is choreographed, wholesome, righteous patriots. And millions out there buy it. As far as declaring ones faith, it seems to me that believers tend to declare more often and more publicly than non-believers. Politicians tend to wear religion on their sleeve like a badge or qualification, Akin is in this group. Non-believers can get to feeling excluded. The other day I read dozens of Christian messages on my Facebook stream from someone I am connected to. I thought, wouldn’t it be funny if I posted an atheist statement for all to see, just to find out what the reaction from friends and family would be, but I thought better of it.
August 30, 2012 at 3:18 pm
You couldn’t make it June 7th could you Matthew Graybosch. That will be my 130th birthday. I’m planning the party already and would be delighted to add you to the guest list. As to your other Olympians, they already know of the invitation and, I’m sure would be happy to co-operate now.
August 30, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Colin Lucas-Mudd Anita Law here is my ultimate worry: Women are not attuned to how serious this issue is because they are in the grips of financial fear. Women who do not work, who are stay at home mothers, risk either voting against their husbands (if those husbands are for Romney/Ryan), or there is no catalyst at play in their own lives that would make them actively question what that administration would mean for women, education, children, healthcare and women’s rights were it to get voted into office. Single mothers, who are strapped for money, are easily lulled into believing that it will never change and, again, risk something in order to stand up to it: they risk their relationships with co-workers, they risk being branded feminists (Horrors!).
It takes a particular kind of Goyle to stand up to this and a particular kind of GarGuy to stand by her side. The cultural “solution” that Romney/Ryan are advocating is very much Tammy Wynette Stand By Your Man.
Ahemmm….wasn’t Tammy’s Man George Jones and wasn’t he an alchohic? She was married, what? Five times? It’s isn’t so easy to Stand By Your Man, is it?
August 30, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Thanks for the return to Earth—with a jolt Giselle Minoli. Yes, this is the core issue upon which we should focus. The key is the catalyst. More particularly, it’s the catalyst that creates an isomer of the massive inner-strength possessed by all Goyles, not just the few.
Perhaps Kim Crawford would like to comment on the required hormone blend.
August 30, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I believe that you missed… “and the People.” from the end of your last sentence Matthew Graybosch. Sorry, it’s the editor in me. Otherwise, agreed!
August 30, 2012 at 3:45 pm
I could argue the point but would not wish to divert the thread. Besides, it’s moot now, Matthew Graybosch in view of your edit and excellent addition.
August 30, 2012 at 6:08 pm
For me another, more pithy way of seeing and experiencing what Anita Law described is what lies underneath it all…. an attitude of blame the woman, blame the less fortunate….the entitlement of men, and of wealth, the entitlement of the righteous. Very toxic and dangerous, based on ego and hubris, and an ego defense mechanism called the ‘Just World Theory (Fallacy)’….. I grew up around this and escaped it…. truly scary people. Akin is but the tip of the iceberg.
August 30, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Grew up around it…as in family? Community? Work… Mara Rose?
August 30, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Family, church. Giselle Minoli If a man did the wrong thing, the woman/girl got blamed. Men were entitled, women demeaned. Very fundamentalist, cult-like.
August 30, 2012 at 8:43 pm
So…Akin is one of those men Matthew Graybosch? That is, if we could actually refer to him as a man. I cannot, personally.
August 30, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Matthew Graybosch You must be psychic, LOL! Yes. I started getting into trouble when I was about 11, and it got worse when I was 12 and 13. I was told I looked like a “prostitute” for wearing a touch of mascara and a red wool Winter coat in church. I was not allowed to wear shorts in the Summer. You get the drift.
Unknown to them, I had read the entire World Book Encyclopedia in the 6th grade, learned Greek Mythology, knew about another, larger world, including Esalen and the Human Potential Movement, and quietly rolled my eyes, as I grew older.
I was actually told that it was my fault if a man lusted after me. Somehow, I managed to disregard this, and wore my mascara anyway! I simply wanted to look pretty, and I am a very stubborn person…smiling as I write this, at my own rebellion. But these people are no laughing matter.
August 31, 2012 at 5:12 am
Matthew Graybosch Thank you. It left me with a bit of a rebellious streak and an iron backbone, so I’ve been told, when I’m being stubborn about something :). And, yes, it is entirely too commonplace.
September 4, 2012 at 7:53 pm
=^.^=
October 28, 2012 at 6:05 am
hi gi you photo is a nace