Sensory Overload

I feel bombarded by television, radio, cell phones, and yes ... the internet. There is so much information at my fingertips, but most of it seems pretty worthless. Do I need to know that there was another bombing in Iraq, or that (surprise, surprise) the government of Iran wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth?

I know the answer is "yes." But the information tends to make me feel an unsavory helplessness. I guess I could write my congressman and my senators, but I honestly don't think that would help much. I'm really not even sure what I would say.

What is there to say? Could I say anything they haven't heard before?

These days, I tend to think that "no news is good news". Instead of reading about what other people are doing, I try to get out of the house and do something myself. I drink my coffee, take long walks, read essays or thoughtful fiction. These activities are far less glamorous or interesting than anything we'd read or hear about on the news. But I feel a little less helpless when I take a walk, write a letter, or cook a good meal.

My walk through the woods seems much more relevant to me than a bombing in a town on the other side of the world. Especially since I cannot help the bombing victims with their severed limbs and shattered lives.

Some days all I can do is use the limbs I have, and try my best to keep my own life together.

Maleness, Manhood, Masculinity, Machismo

I know it when I see it, but I find it difficult to define. It consists of more than working with tools, enjoying sports, and silent displays of strength. Displays of values like courage, or a willingness to protect don't suffice either. Some of the most feminine people display those qualities. Hmm ... it more of an attitude? A posture? If nothing else, it is a list of don'ts:

Don't hold your books/binder up by your chest; hold them down by your side.

Don't put your hand in front of your mouth when you laugh.

Don't hold a cigar between your thumb and index finger; hold it between your middle and index fingers.

Don't sit in a chair with your knees together.

Don't allow your hand to hang limply from your wrist.

Don't giggle. Laugh or chuckle instead.

Don't gossip, especially about romantic relationships.

Don't discuss women's fashion. If you absolutely must, do NOT do it enthusiastically.

Don't tell your male friends they hurt your feelings, even if they did.

Don't ever ask a male friend "are you mad at me?" Ask, "what's wrong?" if you absolutely must.

Don't show weakness, fear, or hesitation. If you absolutely must, minimize them as much as possible.

Yes, some of the items on this list seem ... silly, petty, inconsequential. But rest assured, they are "markers," indicators of sexual orientation as well as status within a same-sex peer group. I will not argue that the items on this list display some sort of inherent logic, or seem particularly rational. They are merely the result of my observations, and I am willing to admit that things may be different in other parts of the world. In fact, I am curious to see if that is the case. I am also willing to admit that some of these items may be the result of a dangerously unhealthy view of masculinity in particular, and personhood in general.

My Mail

Applicants for admission to the Michigan State Bar receive a "greeting letter" which they are required to file with the court system. Filing costs $25, after which the applicant is asked to sign his/her name in the attorney roll book of his/her county. The Wayne County roll book is very large, very old, and looks like a Book of Spells or a tome from The Never Ending Story.

The clerk took my original letter, and gave me a copy. It looks like ... well, a copy. I asked her if I was supposed to keep the original. She said "No, I keep the original. You get a copy." And she wore an expression that indicated she has had this conversation before, maybe a thousand times. Anyway, the text of the letter is below.

Michigan Supreme Court
Board of Law Examiners
Michigan Hall of Justice
P.O. Box 30104
Lansing, MI 48909


May 5, 2006


TO THE COURTS OF RECORD OF MICHIGAN, GREETINGS:

The State Board of Law Examiners, pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided, has examined applicant

[my full name here]

of Detroit, MI and has found this applicant to be of full age and possessed of sufficient learning in the law, moral character and ability to enable this applicant to properly practice as an attorney and counselor in the courts of this state.

This applicant's admission to the Bar of this state is therefore recommended.

THE BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS OF MICHIGAN

Timothy J. Raubinger,
Assistant Secretary

Masculinity

I've been thinking about masculinity for the past few days. What does it mean to be masculine? How is it different from femininity? Is there a masculine way to hold a tea cup? Is there a manly way to bake cookies?

I'll ask more questions and rattle off thoughts/pontifications. Later. I'm tired right now. It's been a long day, and I need to go to bed.

Hot Topics

I'll share my thoughts on a few "hot" topics.

Illegal Immigrants: My stance depends on why they came over. If they came seeking asylum, then I say "welcome." If they came to do hard work in order to have a better life, and they were unlikely to gain entry through "the system" ... I understand that. If they came to sell drugs or traffic women, they should be prosecuted and/or deported.

The National Anthem in Spanish: As long as it expresses the same ideas as the original, cool. Can we get an Arabic version? I'm not even kidding.

Gasoline prices: *sigh* I don't know if I even want to tackle this one. I started writing, so here goes. The current situation shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. We have the technology to harness other sources of energy. Detroit knows damned well how to produce fuel-efficient vehicles. But it won't. Why? I honestly don't know. I guess the shot-callers feel too much has already been invested in the SUV to switch gears. Plus, the boys in the oil industry are doing just fine. JUST FINE. NEVER BEEN BETTER.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy: My prayers are with him. I hope he gets the help he needs, and gets back to work on behalf of the people of Rhode Island as soon as possible. I also wish talking heads weren't so eager to kick a guy when he's down. For crying out loud, the man went on TV and told the whole world that he's got a drug problem. Let the folks in Rhode Island decide what they want to do about that at election time. I'm talking to you, Ann Coulter.

Ann Coulter: I'll address you directly. Why are you so mean? Seriously. I can't believe you're really that way. It has to be an act. It's for publicity right? It's your "angle"? Please, tell me that's what it is. If it's not just an act, I feel kind of sorry for you. No one in his/her right mind would want to hang out with you, or be your friend. When you constantly attack people, or ruthlessly criticize them, it makes you ugly. When you act that way, no one cares that you went to The University of Michigan Law School, or that you got really good grades there, or that you've sold a bazillion copies of your books. They just nod and grin in your presence, hoping that you'll leave them alone, and not verbally attack them. But inwardly, in their heart of hearts, even when they wish they didn't, they think that ... well ... you're a bitch. I'm not trying to be mean. "Shrew" wasn't the right word. "Jerk" didn't suffice either. If you stop being so mean, maybe a larger number of intelligent, concerned citizens will take your views seriously. I'm almost sure of it.

TomKat: They've got some issues. But don't we all? I hope the baby grows up to be healthy and happy.

Brangelina: I'll address you directly. Thanks for speaking/acting on behalf of people in developing nations. I hope your kids grow up to be healthy and happy.

Bar Exam

By the grace of God, I passed. Thanks for your prayers.

The Church

Who is the Church, the Body of Christ? As a Protestant, I was taught that it is comprised of all who have saving faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of denomination or creed. Those who accept this view believe that the Church is comprised of Methodists, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, and all others who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I understand the Roman Catholic teaching to be that those Christians in communion with Rome make up the true Body of Christ; those Christians who are not in communion with Rome are "brothers in Christ," yet not part of the Body of Christ. The Catholic teaching on the Church is further complicated (in my mind, at least) by the teaching that the Eastern Orthodox churches are schismatic, but still have a valid priesthood due to unbroken Apostolic Succession.

The Orthodox seem to have the narrowest view. They view the true Church as being comprised of those who embrace Eastern Orthodoxy. The various churches (Greek, Russian, Romanian, etc.) within Orthodoxy are more properly called "jurisdictions" for the Church is one, varying only in language and custom, but united in faith and doctrine. Rome is seen as heretical (not merely schismatic), and Protestantism in all its forms is merely an outgrowth of Rome. The Orthodox make a distinction between the Church and the "company of the saved"; God will determine who falls into the latter category. The "heterodox" may be saved, but it is only by the grace of God. This is also true of the Orthodox, who receive His grace via the sacraments.

I have read Catholic and Orthodox thinkers describe the Protestant view as "believing in an invisible Church." More recently, I read an article which took issue with this description, saying that some (most?) Protestants believe in a Church that is quite visible, and yet has more than one valid historical manifestation.

Visit a few blogs and you will see that the identity of the Church is, for many thinking people, a hotly contested issue. You'll see angry diatribes, protests filled with emotion, and carefully crafted arguments. The writers hurl words at each other, words like "clearly," "obviously," and "ignorance." Put them together, and you can make a sentence that will make some people think you are very smart: Obviously, your ignorance is steeped in Protestant traditions that stem from Luther's heresy. That's not a direct quote, but it mirrors the type of statments I've seen.

I wonder if people can get so caught up in being part of the true Body of Christ that they forget to behave as Christians.