A man of leisure. It is a complex 20th century invention. An evolutionary tale of men transitioning from uproariously fighting for their independence in war after war, to just wanting a good woman, a nice home, a couple of kids, and one small piece of the house where they can watch baseball.
This week we lost a man who through his most famous television character that of Frank Constanza both embodies the man of leisure, and the man of war. He had leisure as Frank, but was always ready for war. War with the British? The Russians? The Germans? No, with day to day life. You see the creation of Homer Simpson adored by millions, get’s the leisure part right. But, that’s only half the battle when it comes to truly defining the modern day man. The modern day man, is A Man Of Leisure, and a man of action.
For you can sedate a man’s thirst for war, but you cannot rid it completely. Bob Dylan on vinyl, a girlfriend, and burritos can only go so far in ridding the warrior within. My own personal politics are very much anti-war, but that doesn’t mean I support being passive for what one believes in. Quite the opposite. Having a good irrational fight burning within is a necessity in becoming a respectable proper man. Without that fight, and willingness to stand your ground for an under-cooked burger, a slight dent in your back bumper, or a stranger defiling a friend’s good name; why would you be any good as a father, and husband? The two roles all men are training for everyday of their lives. Jerry Stiller in both fiction, and non-fiction was a success at both. Rest In Peace, and cheers to a good run.
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