Tangled Up in the Blinds

"To judge from the covers of countless women's magazines, the two topics most interesting to women are (1) Why men are all disgusting pigs, and (2) How to attract men."
 -Dave Barry

Yesterday was Fathers Day. Perhaps you noticed?

This made for an interesting Sunday block on the Island of Misfit Toys, in which the men (at least in my elders quorum) were treated to handfulls of candy. Which is all we really could want on such a day.

In addition, I really appreciated the closing prayer offered in sacrament meeting, in which the plea was expressed that on Fathers Day (and throughout the year) our Father above might bless the single men of the ward; those who are already fathers (we do have some) to be good fathers to their children, as well as those singles who are seeking to become fathers, that their righteous desires might be granted in His due time.

There is, unfortunately, a stereotype floating around out there that men are clueless, incompetent nincompoops who are obsessed with trivial, inane things and don't really care about the important things in life. I promise you, in case this comes as news, that such a stereotype exists.

I call this the "tangled up in the blinds" idea, in reference to a comedy bit by Brian Regan about the cliché moronic husband often portrayed on national TV in commercials (and elsewhere). The product being promoted is cold cereal or soap or something of that sort, and it begins with a woman talking about said product and how it helps out her family. Meanwhile, her idiotic husband it "tangled up in the blinds" behind her because he's just not smart enough to know any better.

Don't get me wrong; Regan's comedic piece is very funny (he's the best currently in the business IMHO), and I have a pretty darn good sense of humor myself and can take a good deal of ribbing that's done all in fun. But sometimes I feel like it goes beyond a little bit; that what's harmless to one is hurtful to another. And believe me, it does affect many of us in a negative way in some shape or form. We see this stereotype perpetuated, and it is not necessarily a boon to our individual self-confidence.

Getting back to that closing prayer: So very many of us do long to become fathers, just as the women we worship with desire motherhood. The results of those efforts are varied, but for the most part we're doing the best we know how to do in order to obtain that great blessing in the right and proper way. Unfortunately, it's taking us a bit longer than it has for many of our peers.

I feel this is an especially important reminder in a society that increasingly teaches and accepts the false concept that women do not even need a man around (ideally, a husband) to help raise their children and/or that "alternative" families in which fathers are actually an option and not a requirement are a reasonable concept.


I recently read Elder M. Russell Ballard's new book, in which he taught:

"To belittle or ridicule someone who has traits that you view as peculiar or to speak in a demeaning manner of members of the opposite sex is offensive to God."

This goes for us all, single men and women. In addition to this habit being offensive to God, here's the other problem with it: It is not attractive. Complaining about how horrible and stupid men/women are, respectively, is not going to attract a spouse. At least, I've not seen it work once.

And yes, before I get a bunch of angry comments, I realize and say again that it goes both ways; that there are a number of negative stereotypes about women, as well, and men who view women unfavorably, and I denounce this, too.

Anyway, that's about all on Paco's mind tonight. Let's all be a little bit nicer to each other and try to see potential mates through our Heavenly Father's eyes. And maybe not bemoan the fact that all of the men in your dating pool fail to compare to the likes of Channing Tatum (perhaps a post for another day there, too).

And now, I need to get my pant leg free from the extension cord.