Troglyodyte or Semiconductor

Abstract

This chapter looks at fathering as a generalized developmental state in the man’s life and examines how that putative stage meshes with the U.S. cultural mosaic of the twenty-first century. Developmental stage is used here in the sense of an interval of time in which a set of motivations are more easily organized and triggered than at other times. The concepts of “imprinting” and “critical or sensitive period” are relevant here (Hess, 1964; Lorenz, 1958, 1965). Puberty is a good example of such a stage. After the mad rush of hormones have finished their appointed tasks, the postpubescent’s sense of romance is better enabled to be initiated and maintained than during his or her prepubescence. Prior to puberty, the other gender is often a source of disdain directed at a class of people, or near people, who can be dismissed without a second or third thought. After puberty, the other gender is a lot more attractive. If my memory serves me correctly, in high school the only thing more important than which females were in a classroom was whether the classroom was on fire or not.

There has been a succession of women’s revolutions in America. But watch out for the revolt of the father, if he should get fed up with feeding others, and get bored with being used, and lay down his tools, and walk off to consult his soul.

Max Lerner

If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.

Thumper’s Father