-John Moraga
“Father Knows Best” was a TV show in the 1950’s that was a pretty accurate reflection of how American art depicted our societal dynamics during that era. However, subsequent decades reflected an increasingly emasculating trend in shows such as “All In The Family,” “Married With Children,” and yes, “The Simpsons.”
— Before the reader accuses me of defaulting to Hollywood for social commentary, Hollywood is simply one form of art, which has been historically wedded to a society’s cultural tendencies. To which degree art influences society, or society influences art is fluid. This being stipulated, what can we take from the accurately reflected emasculation of the American male? —
What I am about to say will no doubt turn away many readers, as it will be a painful introspection of our own personal lives. I believe no-fault divorce is perhaps the greatest plague of American society, and it has drastically contributed to the emasculation of our society. Why do I feel so strongly about this? Without having to site statistics, I can comfortably say that the vast majority of Americans have either been party to, or victim of, no-faulty divorce (“victim” defined: the betrayed spouse and deprived children). Further, the psychedelic sexual revolution of the 1960’s conceived the children of “tolerance,” as the dawning of Aquarius was preceded by the dusking of American masculinity. Children became deprived of being influenced by two defined genders, as one-parent homes increased their portion of the pie chart. Finally, Feminism catalyzed the emasculation of the later half of the 20th century. As a result, so-called same-sex “marriage” is the inevitable progeny of all of these factors.
(Before I continue, I am fully aware that there are cases for legitimate divorce, as even biblical scriptures provide a prescription for rare cases. However, that is the point: they should be rare, not as common as they currently are in our society. I also acknowledge there are other circumstances that may lead to undesired results i.e. military, death, etc., but I am specifically referring to those who approach marriage as an experiment, rather than a life commitment.)
Long gone are the days that men strive to be the monogamous husband and father, who demonstrates leadership qualities in his own home, much less in society. Once cherished qualities of a fine society such as discernment, strong work-ethic, commitment to support a community i.e. wife and children are now ridiculed as “cheesy,” “out-dated,” “unrealistic,” as reflected in art, as well as legislation. Obviously, it is impossible to be the perfect father or husband, but the level of apathy to try to be such better men is depressing. Husbands and fathers are too often depicted in our contemporary art as buffoons, losers, etc., if they are even depicted at all any more. The deterioration of the nuclear family has unsurprisingly produced gender identification confusion. Real American men have become less accountable for their own decisions, as they defer to the whims of society to determine their own roles in it.
Full circle to the TV shows initially mentioned…Archie Bunker and Al Bundy made caricatures of the American male during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Homer Simpson skipped the middle-man in the 1990’s and was depicted as a literal emasculated cartoon father and husband. “Last Man Standing” (aptly titled) was an attempt to regain some level of masculinity in the 21st century. I must admit, I did not care for the show myself, but it had nothing to do with the premise, I just didn’t care for the acting. I’m a critic, I know, but still…
Up until our most recent presidential election less than a year ago, a candidate who had been married three or more times would not be taken seriously, as his sense of loyalty and morals would be deemed unacceptable. Five years ago Bruce Jenner would not be chosen as the “Woman of the Year” by Glamour magazine. Eight years ago, even Obama publicly stated he believed in traditional marriage personally. America’s emasculation surgery has been on-going for the past few decades, but never as on public display as it has been within the last decade. It is time for American men to be “men,” and redeem the meaning of the word. Our society, and by extension our elected representatives, are a result of our own societal dynamics. Thus, in order for us to cause the change we seek as conservatives, we have to first begin at home, yes, in our own home.
Final Note: I would like to suggest to those of us who are “seasoned” folk to be patient with younger generations like “millennials.” “Millennials,” I urge you think for yourselves without conforming to societal whims and trends, or even your own personal misfortunes.