Even though I don't see him as much as I did, his influence on me is apparent. His viewpoints have shaped (to an extent) my life, and even as I leave behind one shed skin, there are still others out of which I must climb.
When I was very young, my father's opinions were beyond questioning. It is the case, I would argue, that I was unaware that alternative points of view even existed. It wasn't so much that mutiny was met with distaste, only that I was too supine to contemplate formulating any rejoinder.
There exists, then, a list of imperatives which I have had to throw away:
- it is unmasculine to cry and should be avoided at all costs
- men shouldn't wear any form of jewellery
- raising one's voice is the best way to get information across when other methods have failed
- whatever tasks my father finds simple are simple for everyone
- buying music written by gay artists indirectly funds the dissemination of pro-homosexual propaganda
- all politicians and police officers are corrupt
- nepotism is rife
- criminals are inherently beyond rehabilitation and should be disposed of
There are, though, a couple which I do my best to stick to, even if the first one is not always fully seen through. When it is not, I feel ashamed:
- never waste food, even to the extent of over-filling yourself
- be aware that the life of an animal is as important as your own
These are some of the tenets of my father. The vast majority, like an apostate, I have rejected. The schismist who re-interprets at leisure, the displeased god with his creased brow and stubble watches on, incensed.
