We can all argue exactly when the roots of the difficulty began, but I think there can be no doubt when the turning point was, and it was indeed during that previously-specified timeframe. As far as 'too simplistic', I believe I will take that with a grain of salt, if you don't mind. The initial impression that comes to My mind is that you are (laughingly, I hope) taking the opportunity to fire back My previous identical summation to you back at Me.
To Me, 'too simplistic' is when someone offers no concrete or specific suggestion in response to a question or as an opinion. Something along the lines of: "We really need to be nicer to one another", instead of "I believe we can solve the problem by taking this specific action". Moreover, the action must be a realistic one, or the suggestion is invalid in its totality. Which brings us to the 'bell the cat' scenario...
Firstly, let Me preface this by mentioning that in no way do I mean this as a personal attack, as I have been impressed with your postings thus far (and Desdemona as well, but it was your post that initiated the comment), and My respect for you has only risen as this thread has progressed. I presented the comment(s) in the spirit of a healthy debate and opportunities for constructive criticism and suggestions, with all concerned. The length of this thread and the resulting commentary hopefully validates My attempts.
Anyways;
Many years ago, there lived a group of mice in a particular building, whose lot in life appeared blissful. There was plenty of room to run around in, and many breadcrumbs and bits of cheese to nibble on, and they were consequently well-fed and content with their lives. They ran around as they wished, generally did as they pleased, and their happy families grew in numbers as time went on.
One day, however, someone noticed that a neighbor mouse had not been seen for some time, and mentioned it to another. The other mouse volunteered to go and see what the too-long gone mouse was up to, and see if he was up to any mischief. After some more time had passed, and neither the gone-searching mouse or the initially missing mouse returned, the first mouse became worried.
He went to one of the leaders of the community, a mouse named Mike, and related the tale of the two missing mice. Mike immediately dispatched three other mice to go and search for the missing two in the area they were last known to be in, and to report back promptly with the two or with information as to why they were acting in a manner to cause the community concern about their welfare. Meanwhile, word had spread about the missing mice, and other members of the little community began to gather about.
After a bit of time had passed, one of the three searcher mice staggered into the room where Mike mouse and the others were waiting, and everyone could see immediately that all was not well. The returning mouse literally staggered, limping into the room and he had some long, bloody gashes along most of one side and flank, and down his back as well.
"Chief!", he cried, "It were 'orrible! We was scampering along t' the site where that lot 'ad gone off to, an' we was pounced upon by this great, dark, monster of a CAT!!! 'E got the other two, an' I only barely got away, I did!"
Well, this started a gasp of horror from the male mice present, and much screams of fear from the lady mice and wails from those of the little mice in response to the terror of their parents (not really having ever seen a cat before). Pandemonium reigned in the room, and everyone was chattering away in panic as the news hit them. Everyone was shouting and gesticulating, and the uproar was only causing more panic as more and more mice arrived to find out what the fuss was all about.
This went on for some time until finally Mike mouse began shouting for order, and the room calmed down enough that he could be more easily heard.
"Right, then, you lot!", he said, "Now we all knows what we're up against, we need to decide what to bloody to about the cobber. Anyone got any suggestions?"
There was much muttering, and hemming and hawing, and whispering back and forth, until finally, one mouse hesitantly raised his hand and said "Well, we can't foit a blody cat, as 'e's so much bigger'n us'm. We'd be better off leavin' for another ploice!"
This brought on a barrage of shouting and arguments, with most of the mice being unwilling to leave the homes they had lived in for so long. After a bit more shouting and furious arm-waving, Mike mouse managed to restore order.
"Right. So much for that suggestion. Anyone else?"
More dark mutterings and shaking of heads, until another mouse raised his hand.
"Well it's quite obvious. The cat can easily catch us because we don't see the blighter until too late! We need to post scouts to keep a sharp eye out for the blaggard, and warn us when he's about."
Everyone considered this suggestion, for a few moments, and some were even attempting to figure out how many scouts would be needed, when one old mouse, scratching his head in confusion, asked aloud, "But doesn't that mean that the scouts will be out there, not knowing where the bloody cat is at first, an' they'll be the first ones the cat sees?
This caused an immediate chill in the room, and no one seemed inclined to volunteer to be a scout, so after more discussion Mike mouse raised his voice and said, "Welll... there's got to be some blippin' way to keep the furry monster away from us. Any other ideas?"
At this point, one young mouse who had heretofore remained silent raised his hand and said, "It seems to me that the reason the cat can so easily catch us is because we don't know where he is, or when he's coming or going. If we could make it so that whenever he's about, we can hear him coming, we would have time to run and escape from him. He couldn't catch us then, not as long as we knew exactly where he was at all times and could stay away. I think we should tie a bell around the cat's neck!"
This idea was greeted enthusiastically by everyone, and their happiness grew by leaps and bounds as they began to contemplate returning to their comfortable ways, with the cat no longer a threat. They all began gathering around the young mouse, congratulating him on his excellent suggestion and remarking upon what an intelligent young mouse he was. One young girl mouse even threw her arms around him and kissed him, to the delighted laughter of the other mice and the blushing embarrassment of the happy young mouse.
In the middle of all this the older mouse who had spoken previously suddenly raised his voice over the tumult and asked, "Right, then, I've a question about that now. It seems to me that a bell would indeed solve our problem, but what I'd like to know is: which of you lot is going to actually going to put the bell on the cat?"
*Smile*
To successfully resolve a problem requires a specific suggestion, but a suggestion is only as effective as its feasability.
But what's this?
perhaps I shall refrain from the immediate response that comes to mind; spare your young (inexperienced in that sort of thing) ears, as it were, 'ay? *Laughing*
You do not yet have the experiences in your past necessary ...
*L*
I know I referenced the year I was born somewhere up in an earlier post, but it was '71 not '91! ;-D
It seems to me that a bell would indeed solve our problem, but what I'd like to know is: which of you lot is going to actually going to put the bell on the cat?"
So *that's* "Bell the cat"! Cute story.*S*
I just finished dancing this out w/ another poster, both of us missing eachother's point only to find in the end we basically agreed. As do you and I !
First and foremost, I resolve the problem in my own interactions and relationships through the choices I make. My choice to say no to the spins and the lies, the gender bitterness and the "goodies" offered by a bunch of clueless legislatures pandering to clueless organizations. Deciding THEY would allow me to take things not rightly mine in return for joining in their games and thus becoming dependant on their existence.
It amazes me that more people don't see through this for the phony seduction it is!
OK. So I won't make any earth-shattering impact this way, but to start the solution anyplace other than right here w/ me is, imo, a fool's errand.
And, as I believe we agree, this movement didn't get this far w/o some male enabling and support. It won't go away w/o same. I already know of several guys on my side and it IS encouraging. Possibly the trend will grow as people get sick of the disaster this has caused in their personal lives and to society as a whole and start questiong what they're being fed.
Hope springs eternal, after all...
Agreed! Hence my personal choices. :)
Look , I have to run for now, but there was something else you brought up I'll try to comment on later...
Btw, your writing has a very C.S. Lewis -ish style to it. Very nice! :)