Our View through Tinted Glasses

The Price of Breaking the Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Angie) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:33:00 +0000

I recently read an article about the family feud behind Julie Myerson's new book, "The Lost Child" in The Times. In the book industry, particularly in new memoirs and biographies, the revelation of truth is a hot issue. Defamation? Public humiliation? Relationships may be severed, families split in half.

What troubles me is that in the literary world, the ideals of "family" may seem to justify keeping the silence on such a major domestic trauma that is growing. This is the silence that permits the same mistakes to overcome thousands of families. When revealing the raw truth could potentially raise awareness, and help prevent drug abuse and/or domestic violence ... any hesitation appears cruel.

Whether it's the parents or the children telling the story, the silence has to be broken, especially when it could have such a positive/growing affect on the rest of the world. The price of keeping secrets and watching the same tragedy occur again and again is much higher than we could ever imagine.

Read The Times article online

Green = the real color of romance?

noreply@blogger.com (Angie) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:13:00 +0000

If you're single, it seems as if you may have to put romance on hold even longer. The money struggles of the country clearly don't stop at clutching for a job, or having enough for the mortgage.

According to today's Washington Post feature, single men are taking a time out from the dating market for now. Who knew that even in today's feminist era that money + good looks are so crucial? Thousands of households are feeling the pressure from the current economic crisis, but in many areas, it appears that men take the biggest hit of all.

As far as we've come in redefining the once traditional roles of men and women (especially outside of "husband" and "wife), men still bear the shame of not being successful "providers". In fact, it occurs to me now how the value of the dollar has also found its way in placing monetary value to romance itself -- as well as the individual. What does this say about the man, who feels he has nothing to offer a woman because of the crashing job market? Or the woman who might feel shame in sharing the role of "financial provider?"

Single female seeks single male with big heart (and wallet). I see the personal ads writing themselves, just like the job listings ... coming soon with the attachment of dollar value.

Taking One for the Team?

noreply@blogger.com (Angie) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Can it be true? I read over the weekend that losing self-control can be a GOOD thing. Our general sense of self-control and discipline encompass a large part of what we consider being a "responsible adult". The discipline needed to suppress certain urges to overindulge in food, clothes, sex, and drinking and make hard choices for a successful personal life or career are things we not only applaud - but seek to instill in future generations of men and women.

Historically, we are living beings who thrive on self-control to gain success in the ways we've deemed valuable - in gaining money, property, large families, etc. This is an essential product of "self-control," our moral principles and obligations. Having the discipline to be more selfless in our actions is crucial to the success of the group as a whole.

But when is self-control too much of a danger? Can you see the white line before you cross into self-deprivation, self-punishment, and self-injury? And how far do we expect others to go in being "selfless" and giving up some of their own desires and comfort for the good of the group? Consider the corporate environment - this is the core philosophy that drives every business to their success. Ideas must be sacrificed, individuals must be let go, and conflicts must be resolved (or locked away) in order for the whole to survive. Can you still count the number of times you've had to sacrifice?

This is all just a little food to chew for the evening. I think it's a fascinating topic, and will probably revisit it later on. Please feel free to comment!

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Angie) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Greetings, and welcome to my second blog curiously titled, "Our View through Tinted Glasses." I intend to offer a variety of things that will allow us all to dive into the depths of self-discovery, and hopefully come out stronger with new perspectives about love, relationships, personal growth, grief/loss, and purpose.

I'll be posting news stories, professional insights, and my own two cents on today's issues facing all types of relationships, families, and communities in America (and also the rest of the world). I am especially interested in discussing domestic violence, child and women abuse, and mental health topics that continue to grow because of the lack of awareness and action to support those who often have no choice next to silence.

Of course, I am open to comments, feedback, and questions, so please feel free to contact me. I am happy to share my views as well as valuable information that can help spread awareness on personal growth and healthy relationships in the world. Be sure to check out my fiction blog, where you can read about my upcoming novel and other published works focused on dysfunctional family relationships.

Thank you for stopping by today, and I look forward to your return soon!