More Observations 21 MAR 2009

A browse through the BSG forums brought me a word I had been seeking, and one of M. De Poisson's catchphrases has given me a realization.

As the adult child of an alcoholic, I should have crystallized this earlier. I partially recognized it when I left behind my political forum, and stopped e-mailing my summary of the universe to everybody.

If you have not seen the BSG finale, I won't spoil it. But it did bring me the word I needed.

Alcoholic families pass down behaviors, as much as genes. This is one reason generational theory resonates with me. BSG's "All this has happened before, and will happen again, and again..." recognizes the dysfunctional nature of our culture.

The only way to break the cycle is to blast it down to bedrock (hitting bottom), admitting you have a problem, and starting over, one day at a time.

That covers the "word" part.

One of Monsieur De Poisson's favorite catchphrases, after being told a tale of woe is: "Your point?"

He's nearly gotten fed into an intake for saying it, I should note... :)

But, on a deeper level, he's right. He's echoing the Book Of Ecclesiastes to a T. All this has happened before, many times in human history, and all the bewailing has changed little.

I've been right too many times, and it has not gotten me sex or (much) money. I left the forum because I realized it was the only way to get out of the alcoholic family cycle. Being the sinned against, and being vindicated by the future events I've predicted time and again, has not done me much emotional good. Being right at work, about world events, and the economy has not helped me much, and no one has been particularly grateful when I've pointed out my correct calls.

It just made me co-dependent.

Here's the synergy:

Word: Preachy.
Phrase: Waste of time and energy on unfixable problems.

Gen X has always considered itself the sinned against, by the sinning Boomers. Hence their desire to like DAAAARRRRRK themes (self-pity by X), and their berating Boomers on their many failings (anger, envy on the part of X).

What the Gen X'rs do NOT realize is that the other generations see *their* flaws just as well. Just like an alcoholic family.

Condemning the Boomers (correctly) for their hypocrisy and sanctimoniousness, they have themselves become intolerant, preachy, sociopaths/bastards. Think Cavil. Or, Dr. Gregory House.

They *hate* being called on *their* felgercarb.

So much for the pragmatism and good sense that would rescue us all.

Moore and BSG have been one huge sermon. Woe Unto Thee, Oh Israel!

The preachy bastard hasn't told us anything new ("your point?"). And, he's been a complete bastard about it, jerking us around so long- and reveling in it.

Sounds like my debate opponents back on the forum.

Dad said: "Everybody should believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink!"

I believe I'll take another nap.