A lot of my life has centred on first fighting, then coming to love the archetypal father. In a feminised society where boys are largely raised by women and masculinity mocked, repressed and despised, this is a hard journey. The world now embodies the supposedly caring but tyrannical mother of both state and counter culture. She will look after you and keep you oh so safe. All she demands is your balls. People talk about the “patriarchy” but this is the most pussified time in recoded history. Yes, men are still in charge, but not this is not the age of men.
My teen years extended far into adult life as I tried to kill dad in so many ways. And look at the state of the world – who wouldn’t want to reject the norms of a sick society!!! This anti father urge is at the heart of so many of my “alternative” friends too, and they suffer for it. I came to love my father but I was not well raised to be a man by him. This sad fact is the norm… plus some alcoholism on top of the usual lame disempowered dad syndrome.
My adult life has also been about ways to “re-father” myself. The severe discipline of Japanese martial arts was excellent for this. I honour my many fathers there who initiated me, especially Don Levine, William Smith and Paul Linden. I had to go to war zones and test my edge. My mother HATED it, but to her credit never tried to stop me. Taking on the challenges and responsibility of running a business aided further.
I also wonder if this re-fathering urge is in so many yogis lining up to be told what to do. In all the lost hipsters dressing like lumberjacks and sporting beards and tattoos. I see those looking to find meaning and ethics in the East. We long for manhood. We long for discipline, morals and responsibility…though they are almost dirty words now. NOTE: The arms of right-wing and Islam terrorists also await our youth seeking these things.
I was lucky enough to heal my relationship with my actual father before he died, and also with society. I see what is strong and beautiful about my nation and societal norms. I am married. My inner teen rebel is still strong but the man behind him sits on the throne and smiles wryly. Thank you to all my fathers for NOT making this journey easy. The way of the ease is the way of weakness. My fathers have prepared me for the world. Thank you again.
By Mark Walsh