Rambo, The Terminator, and the Hyper-masculinized Male.
Here’s three words I never thought I’d hear when someone talked about my book, Open Wounds: hyper-masculine, Rambo, and Terminator. I did an interview with Dr. Beth Erickson that will be airing today Monday, January 2nd. This was a difficult interview for me. Dr. Beth had some very specific ideas about how my book played out and on how it represents the role of fatherhood. I don’t agree with all the things that she said but I liked that her ideas were provocative and made me think about my work in new and interesting ways. People bring the most amazing things to work they read. Dr. Beth’s clinical background gave her an angle I’ve not experienced before and it made me uncomfortable. If anything, that’s a good enough reason to listen to the interview – my discomfort as entertainment.
Cid Rambo.
The Terminator Cid.
The hyper-masculinized man.
Here’s the link for the interview:
Relationships 101 Body Traders and Boys Coming of Age – With Dr. Beth
Lunievicz 
Joe, I admire your serenity in the face of discomfort. I think it is good to look at many points of view.
But.
I do not agree with Dr. Beth.
I do not understand Dr. Beth’s point of view.
I do not think she read the same book that I did.
The book that I read was about a lot of things: resiliency, choices, love, hope, honor.
Truth.
But I’m not an expert or a love coach or anything like that.
January 2, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I’m not an expert or a love coach either and I still don’t know how she came up with some of the things I said. I really was verklempt. Now there’s a word. Now I have to get up the courage to listen to what she cut and kept in. Hah!
January 2, 2012 at 7:06 pm
No, I don’t think that is wise, Joe.
I wonder if it is possible for a woman to go into hyper-masculinized rage. I know the vein on my forehead popped out when I read/listened to this. You might go Rambo if you listen to it, except I expect that your serenity infrastructure would intervene.
The phrase “love coach” gives me the collywobbles.
January 2, 2012 at 8:44 pm
“Seven years, I’d kill myself,” says the therapist.
Joe… so great to hear your voice and message. I have to say it was nearly unendurable listening to the good doctor, though. Oh… and I suppose writers have a responsibility to infuse their work with positive, well-adjusted role models.
I am sorry… Doctor Beth makes me want to kick a kitten.
January 2, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I haven’t listened to the cut version so I’m still not sure what made it in or out from the taping. I forgot she made that kill myself comment. Perhaps I’ve blocked other things I said or she said. I’m trying to keep my sense of humor about the whole thing. Either that or I have to learn to churn up some hypermasculinzed rage so I can answer in a more definitive Ramboesque way next time.
Karen and I are both laughing over kicking kittens. Doctor Beth is something else. This one may go up there next to some of my improv reviews from KLAATU days, though I had more fun on stage making a fool out of myself for laughs.
I hope your holidays were grand. I’m thinking 2012 is going to be a good one. Maybe I’ll be able to come out your way for ALA if the finances hold. In case I haven’t said it, getting to know you and hanging out in NYC together was a highlight of 2011 for me.
January 2, 2012 at 7:21 pm
I’m going to call you Rambo from now on.
January 3, 2012 at 5:41 am
Rambo Lunievicz, please.
January 3, 2012 at 5:43 am
How in the world did I miss this? I haven’t listened yet, but I’ll try to soon. For now I will just say this: The Cid I read about had a lot of violence in his life, but only a little violence in his heart.
However, I think this is probably a testament to a very well imagined character. When they feel real, they make each reader feel something different, something that speaks more to the reader’s own experiences than to the characters.
January 5, 2012 at 11:45 am
Andrew said it made him want to kick a kitten. I’m still smiling at that one. This is not my finest hour but truly a good learning experience. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think.
January 5, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I will listen to it as soon as I get home. Today is kicking my ass.
January 5, 2012 at 1:42 pm
I’m only a few minutes in, but this is painful. You killed Mister Braun off, Joe, shame on you! As if great stories all occur in Utah, where the streets are paved with gold, and the good role models give you angel pants on your 13th birthday. Please.
January 5, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Yeah. I didn’t know what to say about that. Left field enter stage left. WTF?
January 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Wasn’t sure what to do with that. It came out of left field.
January 5, 2012 at 3:21 pm
On the other hand, I must say, although I’ve heard some of these anecdotes before, you’re conducted yourself brilliantly, Joe. To listen to you talk about the book is wonderful. We may just have to edit the other half of the conversation out.
January 5, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Hah!
January 5, 2012 at 3:22 pm
hi!!!
February 1, 2012 at 2:34 pm