You’ve heard me mention before that I am an reader of 20th century pulp stories, such as those written by Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard. I consider Burroughs to be one of my favorite authors and there are not many who can explain the world quite so plainly as he could using only narrative. Lewis surpasses him in that regard, but that’s a talk for another time.
I think the main reason I connect with those authors is because I find the characters they created in some strange way, relatable. Though they are titanic, larger than life figures, they are really just representations of humanity in general and masculinity in particular. I empathize with the struggles of Tarzan of the Apes and Conan the Cimmerian, as have many young men before me, and many young men now. The problems I face are smaller versions of the problems they faced.
Most people my age and younger are probably familiar with the Disney version of Tarzan, and while I enjoyed that film (and there are still parts of it I find fun) it is quite possibly the worst hack-job Disney has ever done to a story. The book is far and away better than the film. The apes in the book are not the happy-go-lucky jungle hippies we see in films; their lives are filled with violence and cruelty. Young Tarzan is almost killed several times. One day, Tarzan accidentally discovers the cabin his parents built when they were marooned by mutineers. There he discovers the wonders of civilization; tools, books, weapons. Gradually, he teaches himself to read - highly improbable, but it’s a just a story. He comes to realize that there is a significant difference between himself and the apes who raised him; he has outgrown them. He then decides to leave the apes and attempt to find people like himself. He even goes out of his way to distinguish himself from the apes; he starts wearing clothing and ornamentation which he stole from the local tribesmen. He shaves his beard, for fear that his hairy face might be mistaken for an ape’s. He walks upright, and starts hunting with spear and arrows.
His first encounters with humanity go very badly, however. His impressions of humans is that they are stupid, weak and immoral. He is once again alienated from the people he thought would be like him. This is possibly the only theme that the Disney movie got right; Tarzan, due to his moral character, is quite unlike most of the men he meets.
I, and a number of young men I’ve met, can relate to Tarzan. Idealistic young men of principles and above average intellect often find ourselves alienated from our peers due to our values and interests. Now, we may try to fit in, and act “normal” but it’s just an act. So we go in search of people like us in book clubs, or the gym, or the internet. Finally, we meet people who are supposedly like ourselves, except they’re not. So we end up alienated again. I’ve had this happen to me, and I’ve known others in the same straits.
This can lead to a resentment, an inner anger and desperation. Our society doesn’t want young men of moral character - they want weak men they can manipulate. We won’t be easily manipulated, so we are cast aside. Then we often find ourselves in online forums, where we vent our resentment to others in the same boat. Those young men of moral character, without a mentor at their side, can be corrupted. This is not good. Once you get young, angry men in sufficient quantities, that’s when a society crumbles. It’s what always happens.
So I appeal to you, do not cast these men aside. Show them love and appreciation for who they are and what they do. Older men, especially, must be good role models, and teach and guide young men in the right way.
And I appeal to you, young, idealistic men, do not let yourself become jaded and hardened by the world. Life will not be easy for you. You will meet many people who will misunderstand you and your values. You will find yourself struggling to find friends who share your values. You will have to learn to stoically accept that people will treat you poorly. Do not take it personally. Do not isolate yourself. Do not give into resentment. Never compromise your values. Be like Tarzan, and find purpose in serving others.