A PLEA FOR BALANCE, MODERATION AND COMMON SENSE
- By Karanja Gacuca
- Published 05/21/2007
I am definitely not against anyone having fun, but too much of anything can become the seed of our own destruction. Doesn't Plato who extols the virtues and beauty of male bonding in "Phaedrus", also remind us that moderation and wisdom are vital factors for the growth of the soul?
Am I alone in the observation that the underlying
current of some hedonistic aspects of the gay 'life style' is nihilism? Thus, many of us in the pursuit of unbridled pleasure destroy ourselves with drug addictions, alcoholism, AIDS, STD's, suicide, cigarette smoking, and the lowering of our immune systems as a result of our excesses. The statistical indices for all of the aforementioned is considerably higher among the gay populace than for heterosexuals. Yet another statistic which brings into question certain aspects of the gay 'life style,' is that even among heterosexuals, those who
are in committed relationships live longer, and are healthier than those who are not.
Would it not be wise for those of us who do not have some personal agenda to promote, begin to address in a direct and honest way that there are behaviors within the gay community which need to be examined and assessed on the basis of their consequences, and their impact on the health, and well-being of gay individuals, the gay community, and the larger society. Perhaps only then, will some groups exercise restraint on sending out emails advertising 'all night freak parties', and 'fisting parties', which for me represents a further erosion of our dignity and sanity.
Forgive my inordinate expression of concern, but I care deeply about my Black brothers, and I want to see them live, thrive, and aspire to fulfill their goals and ambitions. However, I've observed much of what we're being asked to accept as the norm within the gay community, is not even thinly disguised dysfunctional behavior. Rather, it is an affront to our humanity and commonsense. Human beings are not isolated pieces of meat whose bodies are to be probed, prodded, and manipulated as a casual sport. Those who do so, have disconnected themselves from the process of human growth and maturation, which is essential for the opening of the heart, and the awakening of our abilities to love and be loved. Prudence, moderation, and an approach to life which is balanced and sane, will naturally follow from our concern, kindness, and brotherly love one for another.
I found the above on Thu, 29 May 2003, on yahoo groups. It was posted by a certain Jonathan and I wanted to share it with you all. I think its spot on. View My blog which follows for my own thoughts on the above.
Am I alone in the observation that the underlying
current of some hedonistic aspects of the gay 'life style' is nihilism? Thus, many of us in the pursuit of unbridled pleasure destroy ourselves with drug addictions, alcoholism, AIDS, STD's, suicide, cigarette smoking, and the lowering of our immune systems as a result of our excesses. The statistical indices for all of the aforementioned is considerably higher among the gay populace than for heterosexuals. Yet another statistic which brings into question certain aspects of the gay 'life style,' is that even among heterosexuals, those who
are in committed relationships live longer, and are healthier than those who are not.
Would it not be wise for those of us who do not have some personal agenda to promote, begin to address in a direct and honest way that there are behaviors within the gay community which need to be examined and assessed on the basis of their consequences, and their impact on the health, and well-being of gay individuals, the gay community, and the larger society. Perhaps only then, will some groups exercise restraint on sending out emails advertising 'all night freak parties', and 'fisting parties', which for me represents a further erosion of our dignity and sanity.
Forgive my inordinate expression of concern, but I care deeply about my Black brothers, and I want to see them live, thrive, and aspire to fulfill their goals and ambitions. However, I've observed much of what we're being asked to accept as the norm within the gay community, is not even thinly disguised dysfunctional behavior. Rather, it is an affront to our humanity and commonsense. Human beings are not isolated pieces of meat whose bodies are to be probed, prodded, and manipulated as a casual sport. Those who do so, have disconnected themselves from the process of human growth and maturation, which is essential for the opening of the heart, and the awakening of our abilities to love and be loved. Prudence, moderation, and an approach to life which is balanced and sane, will naturally follow from our concern, kindness, and brotherly love one for another.
I found the above on Thu, 29 May 2003, on yahoo groups. It was posted by a certain Jonathan and I wanted to share it with you all. I think its spot on. View My blog which follows for my own thoughts on the above.
