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Is a harmonious relationship between man and woman impossible to achieve? Judging from the results on view at the Golden Theatre, "uneasy" might be the best that can be achieved.
It's Mamet's incendiary take on the consequences of political correctness - specifically involving sexual harassment - and how language helps to facilitate the battle.
Review here.
2 replies
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Jim, you surprised me with your well thought out and earnest reply.
One thing that came to my mind reading the review (I have not seen the play either) is the alacrity some people seem to jump at words with, interpreting them through a filter that isn't always conducive to getting along - whether it be in the workplace, at home or anywhere else. You know the type - thin-skinned, prone to see offense where none is meant, always on guard to take exception to a statement, printed sentence, etc, etc, etc...
Always listening for disharmony, these people strike discord eveywhere, bearing grudges from a sense of grievance. Seeming to lack humour senses, these malcontents seem to begrudge happiness, whether it be their own or that of others.
The problem is these days the law seems to encourage these indivuduals in their constant wariness and paranoia.
"Oh, he said THAT to you? Well, WHAT do you THINK he meant?" encourages all sorts of mischief both in the workplace and out.
Now, I'm not saying it doesn't happen; of course it does - but to look for and see ghosties in every single nook and cranny is something I prefer to play with my granddaughter doing. Some of us need to grow a couple layers of skin. The world isn't such a hostile place as some of us make it out to be.
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Maureen, I always enjoy your questions and comments. Nobody else has taken a stab at this, so I will be first.
A side comment...for me, Mamet's portrayal (I've not seen the play, have only read reviews) is a bit staid for my tastes. It does showcase the occasional futility of words to explain or relieve certain situations. Do you recall the song, "What are Words For?", by Missing Persons? The premise was that words are no good if nobody listens, which is what happens most often in discussions of highly sensitized issues.
Getting to the answer to your question....it depends on what one means by "harmonious". If we accept, "marked by agreement in feeling or action" (American College Dictionary), then, yes, a harmonious relationship is possible. And, it would be the worst of all scenarios, in my view. I have witnessed two long-term relationships which have grown, or withered, to such an extent that there is total agreement from both sides on all things, lest there be any discord. In both cases, there was little or no love left, only quiet agreement. Certainly, I understand that there really was not agreement, only the conciliation that both parties in the relationship would "go along to get along".
I have little knowledge of the intricacies of music, but do know that musical harmony is achieved by careful blending of sounds of different pitch. I would submit that the same thing is true of a harmonious relationship...it will only result from the careful blending of beliefs, goals, experiences, etc. I know that "opposites attract", but also know that truly opposing beliefs, goals, and experiences cannot be blended into a harmonious relationship. I doubt there are any long-term harmonious relationships between, for example, a devout Christian and devout Atheist, or a stalwart PETA member and an avid big game hunter. Opposites may attract, but will eventually repel each other.
I'm still working on all the above. My most cherished relationship involved a considerable basis of shared beliefs, goals, and experiences, sprinkled with some discord about how to strengthen, achieve, and learn from each, respectively.
Maybe some others will have better answers. Thanks for the great question.
Jim
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