The Power of Myth

Last week I listened to the audiobook of the interviews Bill Boyers did with Joseph Campbell regarding his research into the world's myths. It was recommended to me because he talks about the hero's journey and how it relates to stories. I was also jazzed to learn about new myths from all over the world. After seeing the four and five-star reviews on Goodreads I settled back for a good listen.

Can I just say it sucked rocks. And by that I mean, it sucked. Like a flock of seagulls cruising over your newly washed car. Like skinheads in a gay pride parade. It was just that bad.

The first chapter was on the hero's journey and it was... okay. After that, it was an intellectual spiral into the toilet bowl where everything is the same.

I particularly had to restrain myself from chucking my iPod against a wall when he talked about a native tribe's ritual. Apparently, this tribe has several days of dancing after which, six boys entering 'manhood' shag a girl in a hut built just for this occasion. When the last boy is going for it, the elders remove the supports for the hut. Killing the couple. Then they dig them out, cook them... AND EAT THEM.

Somehow Joseph Campbell linked this as a perfect example of the sacrifice and sacrament of Jesus Christ.

And does he talk extensively about other various myths. NO! Except of course when he wanted to show how they are the same as any religion's myths.

In my opinion, Joseph Campbell has to do some serious contortions to get his logic to work. Unfortunately, Bill Moyer doesn't call him on any of it. His questions are more like a pupil sitting at the feet of the master.

Ultimately, The Power of Myth is simply a tirade against all religion because, according to Campbell, they're all myths. The Bible, for instance, isn't a literal account. It's all metaphor. He further went on to say that if all the world's religions would just accept that all religion is a metaphor, we could finally live in peace.

So, yeah, I think Joseph Campbell is a nutjob and I'm probably the first person to give The Power of Myth a one star on Goodreads.

Movin' Out Reflections

Do you remember growing up? Back in the days when summer lasted forever and (after you finished your chores) life was just waiting to be filled? When the grass was green and the sun was hot? When your biggest decision was PB&J or mac & cheese?

I do too.

What is it about getting older that leads to reflecting on our past? It seems that once you get past twenty, your life is beginning. A host of decisions lay before you. By thirty you begin to wonder if the rudder on your ship of life is bent. And by forty you're screaming in the front seat of a car without a steering wheel just hoping it stays on the road.

The last five years of my life has been a real roller coaster. Separated/back together. Weight loss/weight gain. Not writing/always writing. House/Apartment. Maybe it was my midlife crisis sneaking up on me. But I hear those come with a twenty-five year old blond and a convertible. Heck, I'd have settled for the convertible...

But as the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, the only constant in life is change. So, our (my little family) latest change is that we're going from apartment to house. Right before Thanksgiving, we'll be moving about about a block away into a nice home. It'll be a good change too. No more people parking in our space. Syringes in the lawn. Dog crap (that's not ours). Yeah, apartment life, is not always the best.

But let me just say that I HATE moving. It causes me endless stress. Since I've been married, we've moved at least eight or nine times. Moving sends my OCD off the charts. I like my stuff all set where I can find it, and moving... moves them.

I can already feel my spine tightening... I'm gonna need a jacuzzi STAT!

Anyway... back in the day... Billy Joel was really good for helping me pound out my stress. I'd pop the cassette in my boom box and air guitar along.

So, if your willing, hit the turbo bass and join in.

You have to learn to pace yourself
PRESSURE
You're just like everybody else
PRESSURE
You've only had to run so far, so good
But you will come to a place
Where the only thing you feel
Are loaded guns in your face
And you'll have to deal with
PRESSURE
 ...
One, two, three, four
PRESSURE