maskormenace | 02

As a professor, whenever a holiday comes, it's always an opportunity for learning, and today happens to not be an exception, despite the personal nature of the holiday.

I suspect there are not many who celebrate such things, but perhaps it is a nice time to speak of them, considering it's father's day. I'm reflecting on fathers of myth, of course, not real ones -- but, ah, if you need someone to listen, I am, of course, here to listen.

There are, unfortunately, not a terribly high amount of good fathers in mythology, at least from my world. Sometimes, if you think of yourself as a poor parent, you can at least remember that you are no Zeus, or Hiranyakashipu. One was merely...devoted to sowing his progeny around Greece, as we all know, but Hiranyakashipu attempted multiple times to murder his son, because he worshipped a god he hated. [ A soft chuckle, and a shake of his head. ] I worried about moving too much, with mine! I suppose things could be worse. Then again, there is also Cronus, the god who ate his sons, [ he starts ticking on his fingers, ] Tantalus, Izanagi, Abraham...

Well, we're not short on those, are we? [ A soft chuckle, and a shake of his head. ]

I suppose there's something to be said, when we consider ourselves bad parents, yes? Not that we should ever excuse ourselves. [ A beat. ] I suppose I'm just...thoughtful, today. Moreso than I thought I would be. [ Another pause. ]

Are there others out there, who are thinking of things like this today?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah, well, a bit. Yeah. You do. But I wouldn't worry about it, mate; the record skips about enough to provide variety.

Now here's my question for you, mate - was Abraham an awful dad, or was a good subject of his God?

That's...an excellent question. [ He paused, as if in thought. ]

What's the higher priority? Raising your child and treating them with respect? Or is it the mindless-servitude of a higher power? I think it should be the former, rather than the latter. Abraham clearly disagreed.

Ah, but does it have to be mindless? Does it have to be true servitude?

If you're asking someone to sacrifice their child, and they comply? They're considerably lower than servants if you ask me.

[ His tone darkens, slightly. Very concerned for children, he is. ]

I cannot say I completely disagree, mate.

[A pause.]

But those were olden days; things were different.

Perhaps, perhaps. Isn't that the excuse given by some, for many things? Some always seem to have the wherewithal to stand up, regardless.

Saying that it's different doesn't necessarily excuse the fact, yes?

Did I say I was excusing?

Mm, perhaps not. Many do, however. It's... something I've heard quite a few times. From many people who do want to excuse an action.

I think of it as a statement of fact - one that can be taken or left.

[A beat.]

Really, I like arguing.

[ David laughed. ]

Really? I couldn't have guessed.

As do I, of course.

Then I've got to ask - who else have you been arguing about Abraham with?

[ A pause. ]

Other academics, unsurprisingly. I've...used it for other arguments, here and there, as well. The story itself, and what it means.

Other arguments?

[ Dryly: ] I'm the parent of a very gifted teenager. I need everything I can get.

Touché. And that's why the disdain for Abraham, eh?

Oh yes, correct. If I can keep my son safe through the worst of his teenage years, Abraham has no excuse.

How old is he now?

By now? Sixteen. He's...very gifted. He was sent away to a boarding school about a year and a half ago.

Earning the best marks, headed off to university and an office job after?

Oh, I don't think he would be happy in an office job.

He's a builder. He'll do better with his own thing.

An architect, then?

Oh no, something much more grand, I think. He is already a brilliant inventor. Very gifted.

The king of England, then.

[There's a little bit of a tease in Alfie's voice.]

[ A laugh. ]

If he wanted it, nothing could stop him.

You're very lucky I haven't got a kid, or we'd be arguing right now.

audio

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