About that whole "Beating Drums in the Woods" Comment
31/07/08 10:06
WIE: Do you think that the men’s movement of the nineties with Robert Bly and Sam Keen is comparable to the men’s movement today?
LANIER: We’re not into beating drums out in the woods. That’s not what is going to speak to our generation. So what will speak to them? Well, that’s an open question and it’s the ongoing inspiration for our work—where are men now, and where do we want to go?
And then I started getting emails like this (this one is actually nice):
“...the 90's men’s movement ala Bly was more than just beating drums in the woods. Did you read Iron John? He picked up on men internalizing feminism and the damages incurred from that almost 20 years ago...”
He’s spot on.
Truth: I’ve read Iron John. Quite a few times actually and it has served me well. I’ve purchased it for quite a few men in my life, too. I find it to be essential. Sam Keen’s work and Robert Bly’s contributions to The Mythopoetic Movement are key to where we are today and if you don’t believe me, check out all of the Star Wars DVDs you own. Translating myths (and Joseph Campbell’s influence on George Lucas) gave our generation a tremendous gift. I trust that it continues to influence men of power and reach, and we’ve been positively impacted because of it. Point being, there’s something truly valuable about this work and I don’t dismiss it.
However.
I don’t believe that a majority of the men out there are ready or even willing to dive in with Iron John. It just doesn’t meet them where they are in their lives. It doesn’t speak their language or resonate with their world on an immediate level. Does that mean it is invalid? No.
I believe there’s a need to translate this material so that the “mainstream male” can more easily accept it. I’m most passionate about this aspect of the work and believe my mission resides here. I believe there’s already a wealth of wisdom and information to help our world, but the challenge is in translating it into a language and vibe that resonates with the greater population.
Otherwise, more great wisdom and knowledge will just sit on the shelves of so many bookstores without finding a home in our souls and lives. My desire is to challenge men where they are RIGHT NOW and show them there is more to this life than what they’re currently settling for. From there the door is wide open to explore Bly, Keen, Deida or whoever.
(Tongue planted firmly in cheek now) As for drum circles. I won’t lie. I don’t really dig ‘em. I’ve spent a long time playing music professionally and just don’t have the desire to hear what sounds to me like a pair of boots in the dryer. What about melodies? Harmony? Let’s develop the drum circle into a -- band!
Evolve!!!!
Here’s to stirring up the pot.