Archetype

Today there are more generations alive at the same time then ever in the history of the United States. There are still a few GI's (I refuse to refer to them as the "Greatest" generation) around as well as "Silents"; The worst generation ever, in my opinion are "Boomers" (an objective history will not be kind to them if I have anything to do with it) and they're beginning to enter their 70s and about cripple the Ponzi scheme that is the US economy; "Generation X" - arguably the dumbest generation ever; "Millennials" (literally and figuratively created by Boomers) and the post 9/11 cohort, that should have a cooler name that any of those I've seen hung on them so far... personally I like "Indigo", but it would take too long to explain why. They haven't even stopped being born yet.

Mom (Silent Generation) & Great Grandson, Justin (Indigo)

Every generation has its icons and archetypes and most of them come from pop culture; indeed I'd say all of them come from pop culture. Imagine the Soldier/Cowboy archetype... are you thinking John Wayne? Or the Beat(nik) rebel generation of post war America; Marlon Brando on a motorcycle, Ginsberg reading poetry, Kerouac on the road maybe? Where do I even begin with Boomers? Woodstock, hippies, Summer of Love, pet rocks, junk bonds and sell outs. From Hippies to Yuppies. Generation X.. Lost Boys anyone, Red Dawn?? They made us seem so badass in Hollywood, but we grew up to be personified by Sarah Palin, and a generation of miseducated anti'lectuals. Millennials will be forever (or so it seems) identified with the hipster, tekkie, nerd, whiner. It's too early to tell about the Indigos just yet, but you can no doubt get a hint from watching the evil Disney stable on their up-and-coming icons.

It looks like as Reality TV (and television in general) is meeting its demise, it's just in time for this generation to find its archetype(s) in memes, YouTube celebrities, cosplay and emojis.

Pretty decent rant I think, although this was not originally the point of this post. It was, as usual, about me and finding, or creating my archetype.

This photo, to me anyway, seems to encompass what I feel and what I want to share. The wandering philosopher, hippie vagabond, curious guru, seeker archetype very much appeals to me.

It's all very authentic; the grey beard represents the years of experience, the lines on my face represent the challenges I've overcome and in some cases the issues I'm still holding on to. The eyes, if you can make them out, not only see, but observe, interpret and most of all ... remember. The hair - I just like it like this - I haven't studied extensively the significance of long hair. I believe it has spiritual, as well as religious, practical and commercial (but not this mop) significance. I've heard it is an extension of the nervous system and if this is indeed the case it's like antennae that reach out beyond physical grasp. But, there I go again, getting deeper than I'd intended.

This look, which may turn out to be as temporary as any other, I actually enjoy. I see my ancestors looking back at me, especially my Dad, more and more.

My archetypal look is as much a reflection of my mind as my experience(s). It combines that romantic gypsy heart with the cynicism of the military veteran; an incessant observer with his imagination in the cosmos. An indomitable spirit and an infinite heart, that is difficult to reach or enter.  Somewhere within, there's a creative soul... and artist, still searching for its medium.

Once I get out of what seems to be some sort of prison, I will more actively be able to discover and activate what lies within; the entity beyond the archetype.