[MD] Social Imposition ?

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting ARLO J BENSINGER JR <ajb102 at psu.edu>:


> [Arlo]
> I think a family is much more than a group of individuals related by DNA.
> Adoption nonwithstanding, I consider several of my closest friends "family", as
> well as my fiances family. These are intricate social patterns built up over
> years of social interactions. A "father", as I'm sure you know, is not simply
> the male DNA provider. He is the person who cares, who is there, who helps with
> homework and skinned knees, who shows you how to tune a motorcycle, cast a rod,
> pitch a tent and make popcorn, who shares his time and his love.. among the
> many examples others could provide. None of these things can be captured in a
> photograph, but they are real, they are social patterns, they have "value" and
> they matter.

Nicely said. We agree, such values can't be captured in a photograph. Maybe Norman
Rockwell comes close in some of his paintings. But, your (or his) description is not
the reality. Can we agree on that? Maybe the distinction between words and direct  
experience isn't important, but for some reason I think it is. In any event, the
relationship is endlessly fascinating.   
 
> [Arlo previously]
> I'm sorry, as the resident "collectivists" can you remind me where I said "we
> are all the same" and should be "controlled like sheep"? Or is this part of my
> hidden agenda?
> 
> [Platt]
> I don't know. You tell me.
> 
> [Arlo]
> I don't want you to be a sheep, Platt. Nor do I think you are the same as
> everyone, or anyone, else.

I know. And I appreciate the recognition as a stand alone individual. I definitely
think of you as unique and special. There's only one Arlo . . . :-)

> [Platt]
> Don't you think it's better to be Arlo than a bug?
> 
> [Arlo]
> Oh sure, but how can I explain that to the bug?

Well, it always tough to tell someone that you are better than he is. :-) 

 


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