We Don't Play Together Anymore

 

         I recently came across a discussion about men and women interactions. Women professed disgust at men when they interpret a simple act of kindness as a sexual come on. A smile, a wish for better health, a pat on the shoulder is returned with aggressive requests for their phone number, outright desire or stalking.

         We hear there is an "epidemic of loneliness" among men--mostly media tripe-- but there is no doubt men and women are increasingly isolated from each other. While women see the "Me too" as empowering, men see it as vindictive--which it isn't, women are just sick of  being patronized. There is little discourse on an amicable change, just more incrimination and misunderstanding.

         The same extends to relations between adults and children. An adult male hanging out with kids is seen as creepy and potentially dangerous. It's rare to see a kid walking around alone.

         Whatever the cause, men women are angry at each other, children don't trust adults as role models and nobody's having fun.

         Maybe we need a national Play Day. A day where we can skip work and go play--not at adult leisure but like kids--and with them. Play in the sand, go on a swing, throw a ball around with friends. Maybe the problem is all the responsibility  and social baggage has ruined the joy of being in each others company.

         Women are not sex objects, men are not lusting pedophiles, children are not fragile innocents to be exploited. We would be happier and healthier simply hanging out with each other without all the weird, imagined implications.