The King is Naked!

I know every generation of 50-somethings must say this, but really, is the world getting crazier? Things that were utterly unimaginable in the 1980s are now totally mainstream. Heck, things that were unheard of a year ago are finding their way into daily conversation. Conditions that were once part of the list of psychological disorders are now commonplace and celebrated. Wildly dysfunctional relationships are part of most childhood stories, and when once I only knew one or two people from a broken home, I am now surrounded by them. Two completely unsuitable presidential candidates are our only options on election day in November, and our vet offers laser tag for five extra dollars when boarding the dog.

This scene from Notting Hill illustrates my point:

Poor William isn't quite sure what to say! I know how he feels. Almost weekly, I am hearing some new lifestyle expression, some new genre of human being, some new preference. Gosh, I think even new genders are being identified. It is beyond normal, and even NPR is giving voice to some of it. I heard a well-known host talking with a guest about a 'two-spirited' neighbor, with what I assume was a straight face. Yep. That's a thing. Being two-spirited. Look it up.

One of my favorite childhood stories is The Emperor's New Clothes, by Hans Christian Andersen. If you're not familiar with the story, it goes something like this: some charlatans come to town peddling their fine 'cloth,' so fine that it is invisible - and expensive. Only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford it. The narcissistic king wants only the best for himself and he falls for it. They go to great lengths, spinning a tale of how fine and beautiful the fabric is, taking their time creating the king's new wardrobe, all the while reassuring the king that only he has a mind broadened and enlightened enough to actually see the fabric. So of course, he pretends to see it. The townspeople realize it is all a hoax, but no one is brave enough to speak up for fear they will be shamed by the king and his supporters. 

Finally, the robes are completed and the king wants to show off his new duds. He dons what he thinks are fine clothes and parades through the streets. No one speaks up. All the people just stare and bow, and feign admiration. No one wants to speak the truth. The king isn't actually wearing anything.

A little boy, who certainly doesn't care about being politically correct, speaks up and shouts what he sees, "the king is naked!"

As a culture, are we there? Are we propping up these ridiculous notions of normalcy, so that we don't risk being shamed by our politically correct society? Should we be shouting, "the king is naked!"

We are doing our troubled neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances a terrible disservice by not calling what they are struggling with an illness, a disorder, a problem. Maybe even sin. Instead of celebrating their so-called freedom, we should be offering help and healing, and a way to escape the bondage.

Randy Stonehill, a popular musician during my college years penned these words:

Stop the world, I want to get off. 
This is too weird for me. 
Stop the world, I want to get off
I get the definite impression that this isn't how it's meant to be.
-Stop the World, Randy Stonehill 

(full lyrics here)

Though tempting to dream about, I don't really want to get off. But I do want to leave a positive legacy on the earth when I pass on. How can I make the world a better place for my grandchildren? Encouraging people to continue living in self-destructive ways by my indifference or celebration is not one of those ways. Telling the king he is naked, perhaps is. I want to find a way to pull him aside and tell him lovingly with a hug and some kindness, "let me help you find some real clothes, your Highness."