Hunters and Gatherers

I watched this show once on National Geographic about a tribe deep in some jungle.

In the show, they talked about how there were two types of men within the tribe. The Hunters and Gatherers. The hunters were the ones that went out and hunted and killed food so as to provide for the tribe. They were also tasked with providing protection to the tribe in case another tribe attacked.

THe gatherers were the men in the tribe who were old, or unable to still fight and hunt. When the hunters were out these were the men that stayed back and built the fires, repaired the huts, or in general did things that the warriors felt was beneath thier dignity or status.

The women of the tribe found the hunters to be far more attractive than the gatherers.

The narrator of the show used this as a sort of example or analogy for the men in todays society.

When I was in High School, all the good lookin girls would rather be with the 'hunters' than the guys who took Home Ec. ( even though I really dont know any guy that took home ec.)

Now, I typed all of that above this just to get to this point.

Today, I was watching a show called Million Dollar Listing. Its a reality show about 3 real estate agents in California who only deal with multi million dollar properties. All three of them are in thier early 20's and have become quite successful.

As Im watching the show, my son came downstairs and is standing in the kitchen making some coffee. He and I were about to have a cup as we discussed warriorly things. ( as real men do)

Right at that point, the guy on the show is talking about how stressful his job is and at certain times when he is feeling 'down' , the only cure is to go shoe shopping.

SHOE SHOPPING !.....he actually said it and even now as I stare at this screen Im sort of at a loss for words.

So lets put this in perspective as it applies to me.

Just imagine if I , along with 3 or 4 of my friends along with my son and 3 or 4 of his friends were all gathered at my house. We are sitting in the den eating hot wings and pizza while watching Championship Wrestling. The matches are great and are full of drop kicks and choke holds. The main event comes on and features Dusty Rhoads challenging Rick Flair for the title of Heavyweight Champion. Im rooting for Dusty....and Rick winds up winning the match. This really bums me out along with several others in the room. I stand up and look at all the guys ( who have bbq sauce dripping from thier chins) and say......you know guys, Im really depressed about the outcome of this match. I really wanted Dusty to win. Im so bummed out. My son tellls me to cheer up Dad....Dusty will win next time.

But Im just down and out over this and even the upcoming Roller Derby afterwards does nothing to lift my spirits. So I tell the guys present - ya know....when Im down and out.....I like to go to shopping for shoes.

I cant even imagine what the reaction would be. They would probably duct tape my hands and feet and throw me out in the yard, invite more people over and make fun of me.

But, heres the real deal. When David Brown gets down and out he doesent go shoe shopping because he's a hunter, and not a gatherer.

My father raised myself and brothers to be men. I didnt realize it then, but I know now that he was a man's man. Anyone reading this who knew my father will understand exactly what Im saying. I know for a fact that he didnt feel the need to shop for foot wear to make him feel better. I may not have appreciated it to its fullest when I was growing up but I can assure you now that I thank God I had a father that raised me the way he did. Im also so thankful that I have a son that has grown into a fine young man and doesent feel the need, when depressed to go to the Hallmark Store and read the inspirational cards.

Im guessing this guy took Home Economics when he was in High school.

The shopping for shoes comment threw me off on this little tangent today....now I feel the need to go do something manly....like change the oil in my truck.

Take care...

David