"THAT'S MY DAD"
By now you have probably seen the picture. And, likely are aware of the mockery that has erupted on social media in response to Gus Walz's expression of love for his dad.
One's political affiliation or opinions melt into irrelevance in the face of derision and bullying. As it happened, he was responding to his father's address at the recent Democratic National Convention.
And, while we later learned that he is "neurodivergent" with special needs, such ought not to have mattered. (According to Wikipedia, neurodivergent refers to "the unique way that each person's brain develops. That means it's not preventable, treatable or curable.") The Rev. John Pavlovitz wrote that Gus Walz's conditions shouldn't matter and that"the mistreatment and bullying he has faced should still be disgusting and unacceptable to decent people." Furthermoore, he wrote, "it should illicit outrage in human beings of empathy and intelligence." ( Gus Walz is America's Son . . .in The Beautiful Mess, August 23, 2024)
The 17 year old was showing what real love looks like. Maybe it's past time to display this kind of warmth and vulnerability, individually and as a nation.
The worn-out adage that "big boys don't cry" continues to wreak havoc in the emotional well-being of males of all ages. Toxic masculinity is one manifestation. Taboos against tenderness and vulnerability cost many their full range of being human. As a psychotherapist, I see many of my male clients bravely seeking for healthy ways to be men without the bravado and chauvinism that has stiffled us for so long. "John Wayne is dead. We need new models for male-ness in the 21st century" is a favorite invitation I use.
A personal friend reflecting on the special needs of his grand-son said it well and succinctly: "Loving kindness and compassion are what those with special needs desire and deserve." I believe his observations could be extended to everyone.
Satchel
