You’ll have to excuse the pun, the misspelling of Bruce
Jenner’s name. It was not designed
to diminish or ridicule him, only to get your attention. And now that I have your attention, let
me say that it looks like the known world is weighing in on him transitioning
from a man to a woman; and the war of social-politics connected to it is fully
engaged as well, like dogs and cats locked together in a cage. Everyone is taking up sides. One side applauds him, promotes him
endlessly, calls him brave, and elevates him to hero status. And the other side says that what he’s
doing with his gender transition is disgraceful. They say it’s perverted, they say it’s morally
reprehensible, and appalling beyond words.
Mr. Jenner is not without fault himself. The Bruce / Caitlyn Jenner publicity
campaign has been skillfully mapped out, and is in full swing. There is money to be made here, and you
can bet he’s going to profit from it.
He says he wants to help other transsexuals to feel good about themselves,
and to be able to live comfortably in society, and in their own skin. A noble concern on his part. And I have no doubt that his intentions
in that regard are good, even beyond the financial incentive.
Now, I don’t have a problem with Bruce Jenner. In fact, from what I know of him, I
kind of like him. I empathize with
him for the pain and confusion he has evidently endured through his life, and I
sympathize with his personal struggle.
I’ve had struggles of my own.
Not his particular kind, but struggles, nevertheless. No one knows another persons pain
without having walked in their shoes.
However, a person willing to understand that pain should also be willing
to hope that Bruce would be able to find solutions for his dysmorphic disorder
that does not involve surgically and chemically carving himself into a
woman. It is a
psychological/emotional issue that was born within him, and it is fixable.
The truth is, Bruce will never be a woman, and I think the
people who are supporting him in that direction should be ashamed of
themselves. The struggle is
between Bruce and his thinking, and not between Bruce and his body. I understand that it is easier to support
someone in what they want to do than to actually tell them the truth. And it is the coward’s way of
supporting those they care about.
They know it deep inside, and so does the object of their support . . .
. . . . in this case, Mr. Jenner.
I recognize quite acutely that the truth is not a popular
notion in today’s world. We prefer
to create different definitions of healthy than to define a particular
condition as unhealthy. And just
as Bruce must come to grips with his own demons, society will have to come to a
different standard of honesty and integrity in order to actually solve some of
the problems we are, in fact, creating for, and among, ourselves.
Although I believe that Bruce is too far down the road, too
strongly committed to turn back, I do wish the very best for him. I am not a hero worshipper, or a condemnation screamer, but I do fear what is
statistically, and experientially born out; that he is in for a very
unsatisfying and painful future, even in spite of his money and notoriety.
God bless you Bruce.
I hope you find your way.
