Children of the Nation

Are we really so dependent? Is humanity no more than a collection of children and childlike adults whose ultimate goal is to be looked after, protected, and spoiled? Is this why we gravitate to strong leaders?

We call our nations the motherland or fatherland. Male and female religious leaders are given the title of father and mother, and they refer to us as their flock or children. Leaders of all stripes, whether religious or political, preach down to us offering vague benefits if we promise to follow their direction and be supportive.

Still, as adult human beings we demand to be treated as grownups. We want the right to express our opinions, we want our freedoms. We want to be listened to and given the respect due an accomplished and self-aware person. We want to matter – as long as it doesn’t take too much effort, and as long as we don’t have to take full responsibility when things go wrong.

Is maturity a fantasy? Is growing up just a physical process? We demand the right to make our own decisions, yet, it’s mostly a matter of pretense and tough talk, shriveling to silence if our bluff is called. Life is difficult and complicated, full of humiliations and anxieties. It’s easier when leaders do our thinking for us so we can coast along and create excuses if we aren’t satisfied.

We are defined by others – by how we appear to everyone else – we can’t escape that. Is this why we are so protective of our egos? Meeting or exceeding the expectations of others is always our goal in spite of widespread protestations to the contrary. Success or failure is measured by our community. Few people can live happily with just their self-evaluations. Membership in society is essential and we will do most anything to achieve it. Even if it leads us down a destructive path, which it may be doing now.

Does this mean as human beings we have reached the extent of our ability to grow? Is this the sum total of our capacity for critical thinking? Is every individual’s own rational judgement a mere bobble to be discarded in the face of loud and proud leadership? Does it only take a strong personality with a commanding presence to gain mastery of our personal fulfillment goals - to dictate our wants and needs? Do we only exist as an army of pawns for the few self-appointed Kings and Queens to play with? It appears that way.

Can we be better? It’s the ultimate question, I suppose. Only time will provide the answer.

Just a Picture