There Are No Do Overs Part 2

Eric H Erikson addressed critical stages with psychological crises for the young and the old. Briefly, the tasks of the younger generation or the bottom of the U-shaped had to do with developing and achieving intimacy. Therefore, the significance of a union, based on mutual trust, so that one achieved the ability to regulate the cycles of work, procreation and recreation were paramount. Also significant, was the ability to be invested in guiding the next generation. Can both Erikson and the U shaped idea both be accurate? As far as the last stage of development, or the top of the U, the question has to do with developing or achieving ego integrity. In this stage, the ability to accept one’s life; and to defend the dignity of one’s life cycle against all physical and economical threats while approaching the end; and accepting the fact that we have only one lifecycle. In other words, there are no do overs. Once the train leaves the station, it’s gone.

Although not a research study, but instead our Monday Night Football group is an example of male bonding. We watched last Monday’s game between the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks. This glimpse provided some insight into those individuals 65 years of age and older per topics discussed. One topic had to do with race. For example, we viewed a game played by predominately black millionaires that are under contract to white billionaire owners. Yes, it is a game that is played by elementary and secondary school children. Some were critical and put down a player’s ability during a playing mistake. The zebra liked officials were also criticized on certain penalties rendered. On the subject of education, one individual stated that all kids couldn’t be saved and we should focus on those that could be saved.

Talk was also political. Depending upon the party affiliation, an individual was talked about many times as either being good or bad. Hillary was called the worst candidate put forth by the Democrats, in part, because of her lack of being elected to any public office. It was stated that she couldn’t even beat Obama, at the time, who also had a limited political resume. It was stated that Trump was a criminal, and a reply: “what did he ever steal from you?” Reason, facts and rational judgment were only in the eye of the beholder. Emotions permeated the discussion. No one’s beliefs or thoughts were changed, regardless of the facts.

To Be Continued