Depression

 

On NPR  I heard  a Mayor from Colorado opposing  restrictions or mandates regarding our pandemic. He stated something to the effect that individuals should have  freedom and choices regarding decision-making as opposed to government regulations.  That rationalization was nonsense. We have speed limits on our roads, highways and have police and sheriffs giving tickets to lawbreakers. I would not like to drive my automobile on Highway 80 without any speed limits.That sick  response from that Mayor  was associated with  disease for our Republic. This  disquisition pertains to   non psychodynamic factors associated with  depression .

A diseased organism  exhibits signs or symptoms indicative of its abnormal state suggesting a harmful deviation from its normal functional state. This suggests being In a non  homeostasis or  Yin and Yang state . An epidemic is an outbreak or spreading of a disease.In essence, we have a pathological process that occurs in our body.That occurrence  results in pain and /or a negative valence.

 With that being said, let's focus on symptoms of depression  which are an unbalanced emotional  brain state. More specifically, there  are chemical disruptions within the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine {regulates arousal, sleep, attention and mood),Dopamine {involved in movement, attention and feelings of pleasure} and or Serotonin{ involved in regulation of mood,emotion and sleep} that can interact in varying degrees and specifics. These chemicals , in essence, are involved in producing high levels of fear and sadness which are the forces  behind developing a depressed mood. More on the brain,emotions, moods and major depressive disorders at a later date.

Recently, my AT&T phone line  constantly gave me a busy signal on  my landlines.  I called AT&T on my cell phone. I received a number of voice  prompts  and subsequently left a message. The AI recording said it would call back  within an hour and ½ . After an hour and ½, I made a second call. This time after going through all the prompts, the AI response  indicated that others had a similar problem and that  the phone line would be fixed by February 2. I did not talk to anyone alive.

In the old days,one would actually have a conversation  but not today. There are additional insignificance and powerlessness components in our society. We are just a number, a cog in the bigness of these corporations. As individuals we don’t count anymore. We have become more impersonal and irrelevant. Emile Durkheim referred to this as Anomie while the Existentialists  called this a loss of meaning, nothingness, inauthenticity and alienation. One sees this in individuals that have given up hope, in despair and  they become irrelevant .Additionally, this alienation interferes with meeting one's dependency and affiliative  needs .It’s harmful effects result  in being out of  interpersonal  balance . This insignificance, powerlessness,alienation and being  cut off from individuals are also associated with mental problems and symptoms of depression.

Individuals claim they are bored  and do not know what to do with their  time. Some do busy work  while most consume and consume. One used to go to the malls, for consumption , shopping and human interaction . Material production and consumption has not brought happiness.Today, one goes online and consumes without any human interaction.  One doesn’t have to use the telephone anymore, one can just go online  for consumption. Loneliness has been exacerbated by the virus  as well as by social media. One can’t be touched, held, loved on the Internet.Again affiliative and dependency needs cannot be adequately met on social media and  reinforce depression.

Boredom, more specifically, has been accelerated by the pandemic. However, boredom has always been a thorn for many. Consensus and sameness is all around us. At one time, one could identify the various makes of automobiles. How many  can identify and distinguish  Corvette differences,the top car, produced in this country? Changes year to year are minimal. Today, it takes a nameplate to identify the various brands and makes of the vehicle. Movies and remakes continue. Even though the actors or actresses change, the same plot is repeated over and over with insignificant changes. 

Boredom  takes place in many avenues in the workplace. Boredom, on the assembly line, in the old days,was especially prevalent In the automobile industry. Worker absenteeism,drug  and alcohol abuse were major problems  regardless of employee compensation. The Japanese model included teams that decreased the amount of boredom and satiation during work hours. US management then made changes. Satiation was a good example of boredom and disinterest. Jacob Kounin provided a terrific example,from Kurt Lewin’’s Field  Theory Model  of satiation - going from a positive  to a negative valence. A task in the beginning can be fun, enjoyable and interesting. Repetition over time  changes an individual's motivation. A fun task in the beginning was referred to as a positive valence.  Over time, that task became less enjoyable and the positive diminished. At some point that task becomes boring and  a negative valence becomes established.With  negative balance, one loses focus and begins to think and pay attention to something else with obvious mistakes and distortions occurring. Boredom, satiation becomes the norm in so much of life. It’s a threat to creativity and emotional wellness. How many times  can you watch the same movie over and over again? TV is a good example of  boredom and satiation with the repeated programming. How many talk shows; how many reality shows; how many sitcoms; how many sporting events; and how many James Bond movies - the sameness or satiation continues? Boredom and satiation are associated with symptoms of  depression.

Another aspect of depression is suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in United States. In 2019 there were 47,511 Americans that died from suicide with an estimated 1.38 million suicide attempts.More specifically, there were 13.93 deaths by suicide per 100,000 individuals in our populatio Suicide is highest in middle-aged white men  and men died from suicide 3.63 times more often than women. White males accounted for 69.38% of suicide deaths in 2019 and firearms accounted for  50.39% of all suicide deaths. Way to go guys. Yin and Yang are not at work here.

 Additionally,the inability to sleep is another major symptom of depression .73% of people in the US reported nighttime impairment ; 38% reported  difficulty initiating sleep at bedtime and 61% of patients reported frequent or prolonged awakenings  throughout the night . Insignificance, powerlessness, boredom, meaninglessness, satiation, sleep issues,loneliness and needless buying are all symptoms of depression.

Depression is among the most serious health problems facing our society causing unfolding human suffering and enormous economic cost .Depression is considered the second-most prevalent illness in the United States. Research shows that only 50% of patients respond to existing medications.Further, depression affects over 18 million adults or one in 10 in any given year. It’s the leading cause of disability for ages 15 – 44. This disease caused $490 million in disability  days from work each year in the US  and accounted for $23 billion in lost workdays each year.

In summary, this disquisition points to a few variables associated with sickness, disease and depression. Biologically, when not in the state of homeostasis the individual is  in  a  functional disease state. Likewise, Chinese philosophy  incorporates yin and yang. It is a description of an impediment  or  blockage to the body . The flow of energy is interrupted within the body. Given that sick and diseased individuals have made poor lifestyle decisions and are not in a state of  experiencing homeostasis, they have demonstrated that personal freedom for them is related to irrational self-destructive actions and behavior. Therefore  it is total nonsense  to allow these individuals to infect and transmit the disease to society as a whole. One does not give keys to a drunken driver nor should public health be in the hands of sick, diseased, intellectually,emotionally inappropriately limited, childlike adults. Statistics indicate that within the last five years there has been an increase in depression and a decrease In life expectancy.  A repetition of the same lifestyle factors  contribute to this insanity. With that being stated, for the public health of the country,  mandates regarding the virus are required and necessary. 

Reference

Understanding Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Institute for Natural Resources.

Dementia

 My mother’s birth date is rapidly approaching .She would’ve been 113 years of age. Mom lived into her 90s. Number of things stand out, especially her memory. She  sang and played the piano; slaughtered the competition at Scrabble– I would not play her. She was delighted  when she scored  a bingo and received 50 points.She loved music and enjoyed Laura’s theme from Dr. Zhivago and  I Could Have  Danced  All  Night  from My Fair Lady. She loved  Mario Lonza and  sang and played the piano for the captain on a cruise ship to Mexico.Mother even caught one of  Tom Jones hankies at a concert. She was terrific at crossword puzzles too. Tony’s mother lived in her 90s and was terrific at crossword puzzles, word puzzles and knew all the  vegetables by name in her garden.Tony  did not know their names.This disquisition  focuses on dementia.

For a brief review, the brain is made up of neurons. Neurons have three parts which include dendrites  which take in information, a cell body, and axons which send out information. The chemical messengers that pass between the axon of one to the dendrite of another is called a neurotransmitter. There are known to be over 30 different neurotransmitters in the brain A few selected neurotransmitters and their proposed function: 1. Acetylcholine–autonomic NS regulation, signal transmission from nerves to muscles, memory formation-declines in brain during aging 2.Noradrenalin–motivation, energy, socializing, basal metabolic rate 3. Dopamine–concentration, socializing, food seeking and sexual desire, motor neuron control declines  in brain aging 4.Serotonin–mood, food intake regulation, vomiting, limbic system functions, pain and sleep 5. GABA-major inhibitory NT, associated with emotional balance, sleep patterns, anxiety . 6.Glutamate-major excitatory NT, associated with potentiation of other NT’s  7. Endorphin–affects perception of pain, analgesia and euphoria.

Additionally, the human brain reaches  maximum size in the teens and then in the 20s begins to decline . There is loss of neurons and  neurons lose some connections with other neurons . There is also reduced blood flow to the brain. However , in aging dendrites involved in  learning deteriorate. In  the most advanced aging ,thicker dendrites involved in old learning typically are more preserved.  With a reduction in neurons, loss of synaptic connections and declining levels of neurotransmitters, deterioration of myelin also affects new learning in the processing speed of old learning.  Thicker dendrites continue to improve with good brain health.Much of the memory decline in aging is due to slowing the ability to encode information efficiently so it can be recalled later . Briefly, some other causes of slower processing include:1. Visual impairment  2. Medical conditions 3. Fatigue and sleep disturbance 4. Physical and mental inactivity  5. Medications

Research at Massachusetts General Hospital found that heavier people had smaller brains with the most atrophy in areas involved in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, planning, and decision-making . Midsection obesity promotes insulin resistance, diabetes, and robs neurons of glucose leading to cell injury and death.  Obesity was also associated with vascular damage in the brain from high blood pressure and elevated LDL which impedes oxygen and nutrients to neurons. However, strenuous exercise has been shown to protect these areas despite being overweight.

With that brief overview we  proceed to a limited focus on dementia.  Dementia is a progressive loss of cognitive function. It is also accompanied by disturbances of mood ,behavior ,and personality . It leads to significant impairment in the ability to perform normal activities of daily living . Dementia is not a specific disease but a term for a group of symptoms caused by different disorders that affect the brain.

Because human life expectancy is increasing, age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. It is becoming more common and currently found in 14% of Americans aged 71 and older. Increased age is the biggest risk factor . The risk doubles every five years after age 65 . However, age is not the only factor. Lifestyle factors and genetic expression also affect the risk .With  dementia ,people usually experience numerous problems  that render them unable to carry-on normal activities of life. Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia but memory loss by itself is not dementia.

Signs of dementia include: 1.  Asking the same questions over and over  again during the day like what are we doing today; what was  the doctor’s name   2. Inability to do complex tasks like cooking or reading recipe directions for a meal 3. Becoming lost in once familiar places like streets and street names 4. Forgetting names of friends and not recognizing the voice on the telephone 5. Forgetting  dates of birth; names of cities ,states  and countries; appointments and schedules ; the time people are coming over to visit 6. Neglecting personal hygiene 7. Showing signs of mental confusion such as directions to a familiar place that has become unfamiliar 8. Experiencing mood symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, anger or depression 9. Acknowledging current limitations with frustration and discouragement 10. Difficulty remembering and saying nouns; calling the computer a camera and vice versa; not remembering how to dial a telephone; not being able to read certain clocks that indicate the month with  a number. These signs of dementia become very stressful not only for the individual but also for the family caretaker as well.The family member becomes well aware of the  cognitive deterioration. Seeing an independent individual becoming more and more dependent during the aging process is a sad experience. It demonstrates the importance of brain health to the 10th degree.This is a terrible diagnosis and progressive condition.

The American Medical Association presents guidelines that distinguish normal aging from dementia. This description first will present normal aging followed by-  present dementia:  1. Remains independent in activities of daily living–Dependent on others for activities of daily living 2. Complaints of memory loss, but provides details-Complaints  of memory loss only when asked with no details 3.More concerned about forgetfulness than family   -Close family members are more concerned about memory 4. Recent memory for events/conversations not impaired-Recent memory for events/conversations noticeably impaired  5. Conversations with word finding not impaired-Difficulty  in conversations and finding words 6. No pauses in speech or word substitution-Pauses in speech and word substitutions 7. Doesn’t get lost in familiar places but pauses-Gets lost walking or driving;  may take hours to get home  8. Operates  common appliances; reluctant to learn new-Can’t operate common appliances unable to learn new ones 9. No decline in personal relationships or social skills-Loses interest in social activities, socially inappropriate 10. Normal mental status exam for age, education , culture-Abnormal mental status performance for age, education, culture.

A brief listing of negative lifestyle factors include excessive alcohol use ,and tobacco smoking; basic inflammation and parental disease; anxiety and depression; drug effects and interactions; respiratory problems; metabolic diseases or abnormalities ; normal pressure hydrocephalus; sleep problems and disorders; chronic stress; dietary deficiencies; hospitalizations; delirium’s for developing dementia during aging.These will be addressed at a later date.

 There are, In fact, non-reversible  dementias that include Alzheimer’s; Parkinson’s; Lewy body; Vascular dementia and stroke; Chronic traumatic encephalopathy; Frontotemporal dementia; Progressive supranuclear palsy; Huntington’s disease;Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.These non-reversible dimensions affect the ability and diminish hope for  improvement. Dementia is a  terrible diagnosis.

All in all , this elementary overview presents a grim picture for those that have experienced dementia. Generally, some aspects of dementia may be slowed down at best. However, once again a positive  lifestyle continues to be the prescription for mental, emotional, brain and physical health. This country Is severely sick and is proceeding in the wrong direction.Thank you mother for modeling vigorous brain health. You were a tremendous model to imitate.I was lucky to have you as a mom. Remembering your birth date remains special.

Reference

Understanding Dementia. Institute For Natural Resources.

Difficulties in Parenting

 Hedonism and the doctrines of Aristippus and Epicurus  continued with Jefferson’s “ Pursuit of Happiness.”  Then came Sigmund Freud and Henry Murray. They described instinct and need thereby expanding the concept of motivation. They found that man was also driven with aggression, destruction and ways to hurt himself. Think of the following Irrational behaviors regarding Homo sapiens in a pandemic: 1. Heading to Times Square  to celebrate New Year’s  2. Taking cruises 3. Going to airports . Further, think of individuals engaging in but not limited to:1. Climbing the 14 tallest peaks in the world in seven months-see the documentary 2. Marrying, divorcing and remarrying the same person again 3.Playing football–more on that later. Additionally, “nature versus nurture” and the”pleasure principle “ have been used to describe man’s motivation.This disquisition focuses on positive and negative valences during child development.

A positive valence consists of gratification of needs; pleasure,satisfaction and goal attainment experiences. A negative valence consists of terror, fear, anxiety, non-pleasure, non- goal attainment, stress and frustration experiences. All of us began life by experiencing positive and negative valences resulting from our caretaker In various environmental conditions. Rank suggests that negative valence begins at birth  However, It can be argued that if the caretaker abused drugs, alcohol and other stresses during pregnancy, a negative valence history begins. 

There’s been much research regarding parenting during critical periods of growth and development.Classic studies by Spitz and Bowlby revealed major emotional difficulties with institutionalized children. Although these non- nurtured children were fed, they were nonresponsive, depressed and retarded emotionally and cognitively. Adler, on the other hand ,studied spoiled children and he concluded that these children became threats to society. Today’s research concludes that being spoiled with permissive parenting  has negative psychological effects on growth and development.

All of us start out with physiological and  biological needs. We require food, liquid, warmth, holding and nurturance. Additionally, we have safety needs that require emotional security,provided by the caretaker that includes shelter, job security, health and safety.Thus, nature and nurture are givens. As far as feeding, the infant primarily communicates distress by fussing and crying.There is no exact formula or time allotment as to determine the  amount of duration of allowing the child to cry. And during feeding, was the child held, comforted and talked to consistently?  Has the child received enough sustenance? How did the caretaker determine if there was enough sustenance every time? Mother knows by what formula, determination ,education ,training etc.? Can that mother teach that intangible information to others?  Additional complications were exposed  from Harry Harlow’s research. His wire meshed fed monkeys did not emotionally fare well,without warm contact, compared to the terrycloth fed monkeys.In other words, employing positive and negative valences, what ratio would be established? Has the infant received all positive valence experiences during feeding or has that infant received a lot of negative valence experiences during feeding?  Likely, depending upon the socioeconomic, mental and emotional status of the caretaker, we find significant differences. Irrespective, no infant has received all positive emotional valences during feeding. 

The same questions regarding positive and negative valence can be applied to liquid nourishment, warmth, cold, talked to quietly, diaper changing etc. Once again no child  has received all positive emotional valences during their growth and development.The initial period for child development is critical .Children likely have received some form of gratification, pleasure etc. Although the child can’t possibly cognitively define love, it is assumed that with parents, the child experiences some sense of love and the parent and/or parents become the first love object. When that young child first says three magic words “I  Love You,” all is well in the universe.Not so with the words “I Hate You.”

Now let’s turn to negative valences. One negative valence, in particular, is a major dilemma and unfortunate dynamic of Homo sapien nature . In addition to loving and appreciating the caretakers, it is the caretakers that establish and transmit right and wrong. This process is the result of physical, verbal, right or wrong punishment. And, In authoritarian households, heavy use of corporal punishment is employed. Regardless, punishment is not only the loss of love but also physically and emotionally detrimental. As a consequence, the child learns fear, terror, aggressiveness and  becomes terrified of that caretaker. The words” this is hurting me more than it is hurting you” is irrelevant and not true. In essence, the consequence of ambivalence, which is the state of having mixed and contradictory feelings regarding parents, becomes a harsh reality . This means love, like,dislike and hate has been established. With generalization, It has a serious imprint with severe emotional consequences for all future unions . In essence we love and hate the ones that care for us, meet our needs because they are associated with both positive and negative emotional valences.We can’t get around this conundrum. The fact that it's an unconscious dynamic, means that this is a lifelong dilemma for all Homo sapiens. We carry around, as if imprinted, a sense of love and hate which are positive and negative valences that have been acquired and have accumulated during infancy and childhood. The accumulative effect of these ambivalence feelings become who we are.

Other significant negative valences include: Do parents argue, flight, become irritated during off hour feedings,with slammed doors, scowls, making loud noises,have leaky roofs,become unemployed,separate, divorce and seem either or both frightened and aggressive? Do caretakers have to deal with illness, doctor visits  and other unintended events? Do caretakers have to deal with snow, sleet, ice, storms, hurricanes,tornadoes, fires and other natural disasters?If the answers are yes to any of the above, we know that yes means that the infant is also affected. Once again how many negative valences occurred during one’s experience?

All in all, the first five years of growth are extremely important. A  ground-floor for character and personality development becomes established. With a strong ratio of positive valence experiences, the tendency to develop a sense of trust can be established. With trust  the child develops the capacity for” giving” as in liking, loving, appreciating,  respecting, and nurturing other human beings.With negative valence experiences ,the child develops the capacity to develop a sense of mistrust. With mistrust, the capacity for” taking’ as in disliking, hating, being suspicious, being disrespectful, being withholding, being aggressive ,being exploitative and being domineering with others becomes the norm. In essence, mental illness behaviors spread like wildfires.Three years of Covid-19 and its variants,adds to the difficulties of effective and healthy parenting.

More specifically, other potential  negative valences that can and does occur within the family and add accumutively to this distrust. This means there are physical, sexual and emotiona maltreatment of one family member by another. Elements of control and abuse of power by the person committing violence are necessary components.These violent situations can be chronic with the damage. Damage can occur with only one occurrence. A few points:1. Negative valence can occur with or without  blood ties 2. The child does not have to see or overhear acts of violence taking place. All the child needs to know is that he’s aware of such violence occurring 3. Differences between men and women in size and strength often lead to different levels of fear , intimidation and injury 4. The victim often wants to escape the violence  but also belongs to a family-ambivalence 5. Affection and attention may coexist with violence and abuse as far as the cycle of abusive behavior 6.The intensity of the violence tends to increase over time although in some cases physical violence may decrease or even stop altogether 7. Poverty, unemployment,lack of access to services, prejudice and discrimination occur as variables 8. As early as 1985 ,the US Surgeon General declared family violence as a national epidemic. It’s believed that abuse and violence are significantly underreported  and that large segments of the population especially women and children are affected 9.Being exposed to family violence may have a significant effect on family members that  are not directly involved as victims or victimizers. This is called secondary victimization. 10.An abuser uses physical, sexual or psychological coercion or intimidation for the purpose of achieving power and control or family members to punish them for not meeting the abuser’s needs 11.Spanking a child, a form of  discipline ,may have a short-term positive effects but may also have unintended negative consequences like modeling aggression 12.  Many adults retain some conscious memory of their abuse experience  even if they do not fully understand it or disclose it to others. Consciousness of the abuse may include total memory, partial memory or memories that are assessable on a fluctuating basis 13. Violence  is often  learned behavior and much of that learning takes place in the home 14.  Marital fighting; guns in the home; violent environment or neighborhood and the relationship between alcohol and drug abuse are the best predictors of future violence

Turning to football provides an excellent illustration of ambivalence between coach and its players. Thom Darden was recruited by Bo Schembechler. However, that first meeting turned Thom off and he wanted no part of Schembechler.  As a sophomore at the University of Michigan, Darden was greeted  by his new coach-Schembechler. In fact Schembechler said to Thom, “You thought you could get rid of me.” Thom, Initially hated the coach because of the way Schembechler treated players during spring drills and on the playing field. Coach treated all 

disrespectfully and some more than others.He kicked Jim Betts ,his quarterback, in the ass ,for messing up a play. Jim, after practice ,approached Schembechler, confronted him and told him he didn’t want to be treated that way.That was the last time Schembechler kicked Jim in the ass. Afterwards, All Pro Darden returned to visit Schembechler. He cried  with the coach as they talked about Schembechler’s loss. Darden exhibited loyalty and love for Schembechler ever since.

Just think of  positive emotional valence. Making first team All American; playing for an outstanding team; playing in the Rose Bowl; First round NFL draft pick ; All Pro; receiving top-notch education ;making lifelong friends  are some of the positives. As far as negative emotional valences, being  verbally abused by a coach, having to condition and scrimmage in hot weather;expected to dominate the opponent; and all the overuse physical injuries and don’t forget about CTE. Yes, life is full of  positive and negative experiences. Are the negatives dominating?

More than likely most people in our Republic during infancy, childhood  and adulthood have accumulated too many negative emotional experiences. With that being said, It’s no wonder why we have so much difficulty getting along with each other and mental illness. It’s apparent why we require affiliation.but, we bring along ambivalence of love ,hate, dependency,terror,  and fear at the same time. Guns do not provide the solution for fear,hate and mistrust. Based on repetition compulsion , we tend to repeat and make so many crazy irrational mistakes . No wonder after World War I, Sigmund Freud added the  aggressive  and destructive drive to  his psychodynamic model of man’s thinking and behavior.He would agree that mental illness is on the rise. 

References

Lieberman Frank. Bo’s Warriors  Bo Schembechler  and theTransformation of  Michigan Football,Triumph Books.

Violence and the Family, American Psychological Association.

Acknowledging History

 

Throughout history man has oppressed, dominated and hated his fellow man ,in part, because of political,religious,economic beliefs and interests . Ruthless dynasties have occurred in Asia, Africa,Europe,North America, Oceania and South America . I am not forgetting  the British,Greek, or Roman  Empires.Related, I liked  the movie “The Legend of Tarzan. “ Tarzan , his wife , Samuel Jackson and  the animals ,In that  drama, saved the people of the Congo  from the sadistic, oppressive,discriminatory and racist Belgians.

 Realistically,homosapiens are born helpless with drives and  needs.Frustration, conflict  and aggression are inevitable . This dynamic results in tendencies to repeat irrational,sadistic aggressive actions. Freud labeled the occurrences a repetition compulsion. Therefore,man continually  repeats his history  with hateful, oppressive discriminatory behaviors ,racism,ethnic cleansing, and religious bigotry . Today’s disquisition addresses an article titled “ Racism Is  Not A Moral  Question” found in the  November 14, 2021 edition of The New York Times which foreshadows today’s Republican racist politics.

In this New York Times article, the writer identified the work of Oliver Cromwell Cox. Cox’s book was titled “Caste,  Class and Race: A  Study  in Social Dynamics” published in 1948. Is racism  primarily structural and material or is it cultural and linguistic?  He provided examples of  economic self-interest as a major variable, Cox wrote “We  cannot defeat race prejudice by proving that it is wrong. The reason for this is that race prejudice is only a symptom of a materialistic social fact.” He also wrote “For most of American history, until the Civil War, the socioeconomic need was the production of tobacco, agricultural staples and eventually cotton. After the war, it was the  general demand for cheap workers  and a plant, divided labor force coming from Southern planters and Northern industrialists. Further “It is capitalistic exploitation-and not some inborn tribalism-that drives racial prejudice and conflict. “ Race prejudice developed gradually in Western society as capitalism and nationalism developed. It is a divisive  attitude seeking to alienate  dominant group sympathy from an inferior race, a whole people, for the purpose of facilitating its exploitation. The greater the immediacy of the exploitive need, the more insistence were the arguments supporting the rationalizations.”

Unfortunately, my  initial learning of American history came from the Harvard historian Samuel Eliot Morison. I learned that the Puritans  left England because of religious persecution but not about their Implementation of the same once here. I learned that George Washington, the father of our country, did not lie, chopped down the cherry tree and crossed the Delaware. Morrison failed to mention that George received money from Hyam Solomon . Solomon, Polish born , founded  Mikveh Israel ,the first Philadelphia synagogue, and was a principal financier of the American Republic . His efforts, with his synagogue, brokered a number of large financial transactions that kept American soldiers clothed,fed and armed. I learned about Thomas Jefferson and”The Pursuit of Happiness”  but not about his relationship with Sally Hemings and their children. I learned about freedom, democracy, and that our country was a model for self-government all over the world .However, I did not learn that between 1662 and 1807,British and British colonial ships purchased an estimated 3, 415,500 Africans. Of this number, 2,964,800 survived the middle passage and were sold into slavery in the Americas.I did not learn  that in 1619 the first Africans were brought to this land by British privateers who captured a Portuguese vessel.I did not learn  that slavery was one of the motives for revolution.

It’s clear that, American history of the 50s, omitted and were biased regarding the consequences of slavery in our Republic. Therefore , the Impetus to distort and deny factual information regarding critical race theory is not new but a continuation of political,religious, educational WASP thinking and prejudice. With the acknowledgment and inclusion of the savagery of racism and slavery, historian Jack P. Greene In 1975 wrote “it’s become clear that the experience of women,children, servants, slaves and other neglected groups  are quite as integral to a comprehensive understanding of the past as lawyers ,lords and ministers of state.”Incidentally,the movie industry did its part and finally challenged the racial prejudice and inequity with their Academy award-winning 1967 movie “ In The Heat of the Night.”   In that movie, Sidney Poitier  slapped a white man. That was the first time In movie history  that a white man was slapped by a black man. Yeah, Hollywood finally got it right.By the way,” Django  Unchained “, in today’s movies, tells a very different story.

 The darling B actor and intellectual  Ronald Reagan  in 1983 was troubled and cognitively  challenged by the dissonance of a  more true account of American history. He professed “The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future.”In 1991 George H.W. Bush, furthered by insecurity regarding truth stated “Move every community in America toward national educational goals.”  Lynn Cheney, a lifelong Republican was appointed and responsible for helping initiate the old  standards in American history .

With more support for a more truthful American history historian Neil I. Painter  “New histories have come out that exposes the sad facts written earlier… that claims to encompass all the American people but spoke to only a small segment.” The Republican Cheney also couldn’t stand the dissonance and criticized the new histories.Unable to control the narrative,she resigned and wrote in the Wall Street Journal  “The End of History.”These racist Republican sentiments were shouted from the hilltops  by Rush Limbaugh “A bastardization  of American history;”  Charles Krauthammer In an article titled “History Hijacked. ”To promote the achievement and highlight the countries preferred mistakes while  straining equally to degrade the achievements and highlight the flaws of the white males who ran the country for the past two centuries;” Newt Gingrich “Attached standards as a way to reaffirm commitment to an idealized view of the past portrayed as being under attack from political correctness and multiculturalism.”

Thus, I can’t be surprised by the  Republicans attacking Critical Race Theory. Numerous states , in our country, as directed by their Republican controlled State Board of Education are prohibiting the teaching of race.They certainly  do not want to make white kids feel shameful by presenting facts. They want to perpetuate the myth and nonsense about our Republic. They do not value acquiring knowledge, facts,truth, objectivity and reasoning. Instead, they value irrationality, prejudice, hate and fiction. Neil Degrasse Tyson makes a good point about  science”The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”  That idea can be said about history as well. Jawaharlal Nehru  states “Fear builds its phantoms which are more fearsome than reality itself.”

Samuel Eliot Morison  should be embarrassed by his biased , myopic  portrayal of American history.  You did not tell the truth  about our historical past. You omitted important details. For example: 1.  What about  Democratic limitations for our Republic dominated by a few white wealthy males–Indians, women nor slaves could not vote 2. Having two senators per state  and the electoral college was created to keep the power in the minority of white men 3. The Indians were oppressed, dominated, exploited and wiped out 4. Slavery was necessary for the well-being and economics of the lazy southern racists. Perhaps they were motivated for separation from King George because of the sentiment In Great Britain to  abolish slavery 5. The existence of systematic  racism in all of our institutions that discriminated against black human beings.

Samuel Eliot Morison, how would you depict the assault by many Republicans on our democracy? What would you say about the following:1.A minority voted twice for a paranoid, sociopathic narcissist 2.  This criminal was impeached twice and a Republican Senate twice failed to convict 3. This lying malignant narcissist said the election results were false 4. This fraud was behind frivolous lawsuits in which 61 out of 62 were thrown out 5.This criminal sociopath and his sycophants contacted Republican  election officials and then attempted to steal and change votes. They are continuing the fraud 6.This paranoid  was a  co-conspirator  in the planning behind stopping the procedural vote on January 6  certifying Joe Biden’s victory 7. This narcissist  was instrumental in the January 6  attack on the capital and failed to stop the insurrection of his rioters 7. This fraud  is involved in illegal proceedings in New York, Washington DC, and Georgia 8.The fraud’s ineptitude  regarding Covid–19, climate irregularities,and the nuclear deal 9. His flattery and other obsequious behavior with authoritarian head’s of state 10.

Dr. Morrison, your  history of the United States requires a severe revision 11.Dr. Morrison, our Democratic Republic is at risk 12. Dr. Morrison  I would rather hear what Dr. Jon Meacham, presidential historian, has to say than your distorted and untruthful  view 13 .Dr. Morrison , pay attention to Nadine Gordimer’s words  “ The truth isn’t always beauty, but the hunger for it is.”

Reference

A Nation of Argument. The New York Times  November 14, 2021.

It's Character

 

The news continues regarding the  Omicron variant , Voting rights legislation, January 6 congressional commission, Trump's legal battles etc. propelled me to ponder more about the character structure of those doing harm to the majority of individuals in this Republic.As a result, this essay focuses on the authoritarian character of those harmful people.

Briefly , we are all born helpless and remain so for a long time.We are unable to survive on our own and require  parents to fulfill our physiological and safety  needs. This psychological fact becomes the basis for both leaning on power as well as being fearful of power.In essence , parents both provide and punish during this process. Eventually we become more independent economically and begin to separate from them. Even while attaining adulthood, we still remain insecure in many ways and attempt to find powers to protect us and provide certainty. We attend college, we marry, we gain friends, we obtain perfect job etc. while living under the illusion that we are independent and free. A pretty spouse, a prestigious car, a big house, and the most toys are some of the things we pursue  in hopes of “happiness.” What about the divorce; what about alimony; what about the mortgage; what about the debt; and what about illness, addiction and disease?

Additionally, man is frightened by the power of the large bureaucracies; the bigness of everything; the state; industrial complex; and military with having less personal control. It’s difficult to be master of one’s own ship with so many large sharks attacking. It’s like the old man in the sea .He caught his great fish but could not ward off the sharks that attacked. Make a call, be placed on hold, and select the number. The person that finally answers is unable to satisfactorily resolve the issue.Can’t control home prices; food costs; gas price inflation; insurance premiums nor can one control fire, hurricanes, snowstorms etc. There is plenty to be fearful of and don’t forget voting.

We also live in the age of obedience. Just think of the number of organizations ,bureaucracies and advertising manipulations that we  faithfully follow ? Oh yeah, we get material satisfactions. Consensus, become part of the crowd, one of the boys as well and just a number for all your important financial accounts. The banks want your number and don’t let anybody take your Social Security number. At one time the customer was always right but not so today. You can’t be disobedient to your computer and remember obedience today is rationalized as common sense. Living in the age of fear and obedience contributes to the development of an authoritarian character structure.

With the above being said, let’s define an authoritarian character as one that encompasses political, social, religious or other interests.In essence, this character classification influences the type of an idea a man will choose as well as deciding the force of that idea that he has chosen. It may be an opinion  and/or a conviction. A person with this character normally thinks in certain ways but his thoughts are actually rooted in his inclinations and his emotions. These thoughts are not necessarily objective and truthful but biased, emotionally charged and limited.

Further,a person with this character structure  has a sense of strength and identity based on his symbiotic subordination and attachment to an authority. And at the same time, a symbiotic combination of those submitted to his authority -with Trump being  the authority figure. This individual essentially feels strong himself when he is able to submit and be part of that authority  group which is inflated and deified. This individual at the same time is able to enslave himself by incorporating those subject to this authority- which is essentially a sadomasochistic symbiosis which equals or translates - a false sense of strength with one's identity.

Threats to an authoritarian  character essentially become extreme anxiety and fear .Then, that individual fights back as if it’s a threat to his life. Likely that individual is resentful to authority or the Democrats for not being appreciated - just because he’s white; for not being loved- just because he is a male;  and not being accepted - because of his limited education and blue-collar status.

This individual has no worthwhile convictions but does hate. This is coupled with a narcissistic blend along with paranoid trends.In this case, his causes are based on religion and politics. He deified the cause; the cause is his ideal which gives him a sense of life and meaning for his submission. He identifies with this ideal which he has inflated and made it into an absolute.

Individuals that belong  to hate groups that participated in the January 6 riot and insurrection are good fits.They were true loyalists, followers, obedient,  submitting and pleasing their idol. He directed and they obeyed regardless of consequences.They  had to be loyal servants as it would be a crime or sin  not to.  Just like  the story of the Israelites following Moses  across the sea.  We saw them yelling, screaming ,fighting,using flags as weapons, tearing down barriers and attacking the Capital police.Their cold, hateful manner was explicitly evident as they took pictures of themselves and others attacking.They were obedient to Trump and he was their Messiah .They  followed his irrational directive . They believed that their actions would keep them free of consequences.

 Some individuals  that are not vaccinated present a different picture. The Amish  or individuals that have been displaced by natural disasters are likely  another story. However, a number of individuals from states with Republican governors like Tennessee,South Dakota,Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas claim  freedom. That suggests something very different about their character. It should be noted that there are characterological extremes although everyone exhibits some degree of authoritarian tendencies.A few examples  were told to me.”Those non vaccinated received some form of government assistance and/or have great employment benefits as a result of union membership”.They did not credit or  understand that these policies were  the result of Democratic legislation. It didn’t seem to register that Trump’s policies were contrary to the welfare of  our Republic as a  whole.

Trump talked about change, corruption of the system, unfairness, fake news, etc. His talk was just  a  subterfuge that provided a mask for this TV entertainer. The underlying motive for this  charlatan was simply to line his pockets with gold and power. He said the Charlottesville  haters were good people and he loved the people attacking the capital. That’s not love. The cognitive dissonance that these people experienced was fully evident duringTrumps pro-vaccine remark .Those reacting provide excellent examples of having an authoritarian character structure.

In summation, our Republic is infected with individuals that have an Authoritarian  character structure. Instead of  submission ,domination Sadomasochistic  behaviors, paranoid opinions and erroneous convictions, we require a very different character structure. Our Republic requires skeptics that can confront fiction, illusion and primitive  thinking. Our Republic requires individuals to say no to lies and an immoral consensus.Our Republic  requires individuals to be independent and not to be a servant to some paranoid narcissistic criminal. Our Republic is sick as demonstrated by our ineffective Congress.Our Republic requires assistance to function, In a healthy manner ,in this insane world of ours.

Reference

Fromm Erich. Escape From Freedom, Avon Books.

A Gender Attitude

 

I’m sure that most of you have heard the expression”Our most precious resource is our children.”  However, that statement Is not entirely correct for some. Evangelicals  say “Our most precious resource is our male children.''In 30 civilized countries-Western, Eastern,  and northern Africa plus  parts of the Middle East, Asia  and within some immigrant countries in Europe, North America and Australia genital cuttings remain. Aggressive gender discrimination, In our most civilized nation can be , but not limited to a  verbal nature.Recently, Joe Biden’s bank reegulator pick Saule Omarova , withdrew from the Senate  process.Dr. Omarova is a professor at Cornell University. She  supports Bank regulation. In preparation for her confirmation she researched her economic positions regarding her point of view. The banking lobbyists were fearful of her nomination. Fearful Republican senators did not dare challenge her ideas. Dr. Omarova was born and educated In the former Soviet Union. The Republican verbal attacks were of a personal nature. They called her comrade, socialist and communist. This  brief disquisition focuses on gender beliefs.

Historically, let’s go back in time to the patriarchal Old Testament. In the Old Testament  it is stated “her curse is that it’s her desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee.” The man’s curse  “he shall have to work in sweat and sorrow.”  Not only that, Adam was created by God and Eve from Adam’s rib ,dirt and clay. They were also cursed  with mutual conflict and internal differences.

Leaping to the 18th and 19th century, representatives of Enlightenment philosophy, such as Jean Jacques Rousseau believed  that gender differences  were conditioned  by education and/or cultural reinforcement patterns. However, the Romantic  philosophers of the early 19th took the opposite position. They believed that the fundamental differences  between the sexes occurred because of the unique biological and physiological differences.  In other words, anatomy is fate. 

One major difference between the sexes is the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are necessary in that they help a woman regulate  her passage  through menstruation , fertility and menopause.Estrogen sets off the development of breasts,growth of hair under the arms and the pubic region. For the male, testosterone is his sex hormone.Females  have roughly 1/10 to 1/12 the level of testosterone  that males have. Testosterone  promotes libido, aggressiveness, sexual desire, and protein to  build muscle. These sex hormones  are significant .

Regarding  heart disease, I’d like to make  this point. Men often experience more pronounced chest pain pressure while women may experience more vague big symptoms of epigastric discomfort, dizziness and unusual fatigue several weeks before the actual event. Regarding  male and female brain dominance differences, the following are slight overall advantages to boys and men:  1. Target directed gross motor skills like throwing a ball 2. Visual spatial skills  3. Navigating through a route  4. Complex University–level mathematics. Girls and women have slight overall advantages in: 1. Most types of language skills 2. Fine motor tasks 3. Accuracy and object location 4. Empathy for others 5. Social interactions.

Regardless  of the hormonal differences, sex typing also plays a most important part .In most cultures,  girls are socialized in ways that pertain to the development of obedience and responsibility. Females  are supposed to inhibit aggression, not display sexual urges and to be passive with men and nurturant to others. Boys are taught self-reliance and independence. Men also are usually given authority in legal and moral matters  along with greater prestige according to the masculine role. Males are urged to be aggressive in face of attack, independent In problem situations, sexually agggressive and suppress  strong emotions- especially anxiety.For more  In-depth specifics about  sex typing in culture, attitude and reinforcement, consult the significant research of Jerome Kagan.

In the 1960s and 70s, a diverse social movement largely based in the United States  occurred that fought for equal rights , opportunities and freedom for women. Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, Shirley Chisholm  etc. were pioneers.I’m not forgetting the Pill. Helen Reddy, from Australia, song  “I Am Woman '' said it all. Some lyrics “I am woman hear me roar In numbers too big to ignore   and I know too much to go back an’ pretend  ‘Cause I’ve heard it all before   And I’ve been down there on the floor   no one’s ever gonna keep me down again .” Hollywood also got into the act  with Diane Keaton  and her role in Looking  for Mr. Goodbar.” 

Yes, Hillary, Kamala,Stacy, Ruth,Diane,Barbara,Elizabeth, Madeleine and of course Nancy are splendid examples of female dynamos.On the other hand, 3% of  women hold executive positions in the police force in  this country. 95% of women either run or are employed In childcare -our precious resource. The average salary in this 1% profitable business is $24,000 a year. The workforce frequently  turns over as a result of poverty wages .Do not forget that the Equal Rights  Amendment and the Voting Rights  Amendment  were also steps in the right direction regarding gender equality.

The evangelicals are attempting to punish women for their engagement in sexual relattions by making abortion illegal.Rear that unwanted child; don’t provide economic assistance; don’t provide  health insurance and don’t provide  child-day care assistance.You made your bed, you sleep in it. Don’t you know  that sex is only for married couples.

A group of evangelical women are engaging politically with their protests against “Critical race theory.”These racists  likely fear the end of White male dominance  in this country. These good Patriarchal, authoritarian Christians do not want racial  and female inequalities to change in our country.  Do not  permit an intellectual inquiry. Keep yourselves and children ignorant .Continue to support  primitive thinking,Irrationality, supernatural  beliefs and White dominance at all costs.

In summation, The Old Testament  made It perfectly clear regarding the patriarchal differences between the sexes suggesting male domination.Yes, there are sexual hormone, heart disease and brain dominance differences between man and woman.However, that does not that women should be  punished for having sex, getting pregnant and losing control over her body.Maybe the pill, condoms and other devices should be outlawed or only sold to married women.Should  commandment 6 be the law irrespective of circumstances? We know how abstinence works-look to the priesthood. Furthermore, with sex typing, reinforcement, attitudes and traditional beliefs,  the roles became further differentiated.  Yea,  for the 14th and 19th amendments to the Constitution. Historically, the prophets, the philosophers and other enlightened individuals, supported  truth, wisdom and rationality. Note, our TV- movie script is being written by Julia. I will end with  a  Democritus quote  “Fame and wealth without wisdom are unsafe possessions.” 

References 

 Institute for Natural Resources. His Health/ Her Health  and Cerebral  Dominance The Left and Right Brain

Becoming Older Is A Drag

 

I had a recent conversation with my sister Bev. She moved to Florida and planned to visit cousins Sibyl and Sheldon. After her visit, she told me that I should see them soon.  Sibyl has a PhD in art history and Shell an oral surgeon. Sybil is a year older than I am and Sheldon is a couple years older than her. Both, unfortunately and sadly have a leukemia diagnosis. On a positive note, Rick and Sheldon are planning on attending the Michigan-Georgia game on December 31. Rick and family are also meeting with Bev.

A second trigger regarding aging was a song by the Rolling Stones “Mother’s Little Helper.” Mick Jagger and Keith Richards lyrics: What a drag it is getting old  Kids are different today  I hear every mother say  Mother need something today to calm her down  And though she’s not really ill, there is a little pill……… Cooking fresh food for her husband’s just a drag   So she buys an instant cake, and she burns a frozen steak….. The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore…….. They just help you on your way, through your busy dying day   Hey. These lyrics suggest and are associated with excessive valium, repetition of nonproductive sameness, boredom, depression. It’s a bleak view of aging. This essay encompasses why people making poor health decisions during the process of aging.

In addition to the Rolling Stones version, there are number of theories related to healthy aging. A theory is based on a set of hypotheses, operational definitions and supporting research. A theory is not just some crazy belief or statement. Theories like “The Wear and Tear”; “Neuroendocrine”; “Genetic Control”; “Free Radical” and others are beyond the scope of this essay. Researchers like Howard have studied characteristics of centenarians. For example, he identified 16 lifestyle characteristics that are associated with long life expectancies. A few of these behavioral characteristics are as follows: 1. Eating fewer calories 2. Eating mostly vegetarian with coffee and tea 3 .Regular exercise 4. Staying socially connected with serenity and purpose to life.

 On the other hand, poor life choice decision-making is associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory complications and other serious illnesses. For example, two thirds of our population is obese and overweight. It’s no wonder, why we’ve had so much Covid-19 hospitalizations and death. Our population is sick.

Why some individuals make decisions appropriate to healthy aging while others do not, I turned to Henry A Murray’s Personolgy theory which is based on biological science, clinical practice and academic psychology. Briefly, Dr. Murray majored in history at Harvard; graduated with an M.D. from Columbia; received an MA in biology from Columbia and received a PhD in biochemistry from Cambridge. He taught, conducted research at Harvard and joined the Army Medical Corps with the rank of Major and then as a Lt. Col.  Dr. Murray established and directed the assessment service for the Office of Strategic Services which is now called the CIA. Although Dr. Murray’s theory is beyond the scope of this essay, certain” needs” are to be employed relating to lifestyle choices.

Dr. Murray believed that the existence of a need can be inferred on the basis of: 1. The effect and result of the behavior .The particular pattern or mode of behavior involved 3.Selective attention and response to a particular class of stimulus objects 4. The expression of a particular emotion or affect and 5. The expression of satisfaction when a particular effect is achieved or disappointment when the effect is not achieved.

One powerful need to be considered is Abasement. This need is related to submitting passively; accepting injury, punishment; becoming resigned to fate; to blame, belittle or mutilate the self and to seek and enjoy pain, punishment, illness and misfortune. When someone is told, that their behavior is not healthy and they respond “I know” but continue with the same decision-making process is an example. This need interferes with health, longevity and well-being if not curtailed, or diminished.

A number years ago I engaged in accident prone potential behaviors. I rode my Harley and engaged in Ride and Tie and other equestrian competitions. I suffered in 2009, an equestrian injury and broke a few bones in my neck. The surgeon told me that I cannot afford another fall on my back as it might result in paralysis. I believed him and that ended my equestrian competitions. Years prior, I had sold my Harley. I knew how I wanted to spend my later years.

Another related need is Affiliation. This need is defined as enjoyably cooperating or reciprocating with an allied other; pleasing and winning affection; and to adhere and remain loyal to a friend. Being socially connected is extremely important. Great Britain refers to loneliness as an epidemic and a serious social, political and economic issue. Even the Beatles Eleanor Rigby’s lyrics: All the lonely people where do they all come from?  All the lonely people   where do they all belong?   Father McKenzie  Writing the words of the sermon that no one will hear   No one comes near  Look at him working  Darning his socks in the night when there’s nobody there   What does he care?

It should be noted that mental illness is a result of human interaction that begins early in life. However, it’s extremely important to have quality interactions throughout one’s life. Being around toxic individuals significantly affect one’s well-being. It was sad that I essentially ended a former relationship with friend as result of his mentally sick partner. My wife was on the receiving end of toxicity. The choice was simple and clear.

Related to affiliation is nurturance. This is defined as giving sympathy and gratifying the needs of a helpless object; assisting an object in danger; to help support, protect, nurse, comfort and heal another. Having relationships that are based on moving toward another in a loving way is necessary for both. Giving, extending oneself counters narcissistic and aggressive interactions toward others. With nurturance, there’s an absence of power, control and exploitation. Individuals in nurturing relationships, work toward extending life and well-being compared to ending life.

Related to nurturance is Succorance.  This is defined as having one’s needs gratified by sympathetic aid of an allied objects; to be nursed, supported sustained, protected, loved, advised, forgiven and to always have a supporter. If one starts out life with that description of parents, one has a wonderful chance of establishing the potential for emotional mutuality with one’s spouse. To have a union with both nurturance and succorance can be called love. As love requires respect, care, responsibility and knowledge per Erich Fromm. Have you ever heard of anyone wanting to end a loving relationship?  

John Lennon’s lyrics to “Mother” are relevant. A few of his lyrics: Mother, you had me But I never had you  I, I wanted you  You didn’t want me  So, I ……. Father, you left me   But I never left you   I needed you   You didn’t need me……. Mama don’t go   Daddy come home…… John Lennon’s lyrics pertain to loss and rejection. These significant factors are related to parental loss of love which affect one’s well-being and associated with anxiety, depression, resentment, frustration and aggression. These psychological factors are hardly a recipe for aging. Integrity is required as it translates into the ability to face death and not be fearful of it.

In essence, a minority of individuals in this country are exhibiting decision-making behaviors associated with well-being during aging. However, there are many factors interfering with aging such as Anatomic, Topographical, Physiological, Pathological and Epidemiological Classifications. Reality tells the story. It has been estimated that about 40% of premature mortality is due to behavioral causes and many of these are automatic habits. Four out of five Americans will die from the top 10 causes of death-heart disease, cancer, COPD, stroke, accidents, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease, pneumonia, flu and suicide. Do not forget Covid-19 and its variants. In other words, successful aging is not based primarily on luck, it’s based, in large part, on choices, perseverance and hard work. The key to success is action, and the essential in action is perseverance said Sun Yat-sen and An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
— Benjamin Franklin

References

Institute for Natural Resources. Cognition, Diet and Longevity.

Murray, Henry A. Explorations in Personality, New York: Oxford.