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;void(0)) We are happy to hear from you and encourage your ongoing feedback. In keeping with our appreciation of your continued support we have decided to get off our high horse for a while and provide our readers with a voice in this month’s newsletter. Here are just some of the questions that I receive at the Aton Project and from readers that I run across on a daily basis. Why do you constantly refer to Sigmund Freud in your articles? As a female I consider Freud and many of his followers to be chauvinistic. (Rita A., Bradenton, FL.) I must plead guilty to quoting from Freud on more than one occasion in my columns. I defer to Freud because of his seminal insights into certain aspects of human behavior and his development of the so-called “talking cure” in the treatment of the neuroses. However, like many, I am also cognizant of his shortcomings in the area of female psychology. For those that may be unaware of what the reader is referring to, Dr. Freud and many of his followers coined a term known as the Electra Complex. It refers to what female children between the ages of 3 and 5, go through emotionally (the situation tends to repeat itself at or around the age of puberty). The theory is that they go through a period in which they envy male children because of certain biological characteristics. If this complex does not resolve itself at that time of development they are believed to grow up with emotional problems, none the least of which includes homosexual tendencies (regarded as a “perversion” in those times). This theory of psychoanalysis is one of the most challenged of all of those put forth by Freud and his followers. However, keep in mind that he was not saying that all women “envy” males. He was referring to those that do not resolve this crisis period of development adequately. I myself have met very few females who envy men. I would think that the one thing that women would like to have is the birthright of innate superiority that says that a man (white male) can be less competent or knowledgeable than a woman, and still have the advantage over her simply because he is a man. What is your opinion of the War in Iraq? (Bill C., Toronto, Canada) As a Baby Boomer, I was raised on a diet of John Wayne movies, little green toy soldiers, and World War II movies. Then came the Viet Nam War. I recall, while a teenager, sitting in the park waiting my turn for a pick-up game of basketball. When I looked up I saw a crowd of my peers gathered in a circle around someone. When I went over to see what it was all about I saw two uniformed guys in their late teens that I recognized from our projects. I used to admire these guys for their basketball skills. One was in a wheelchair. He had no legs. The other one was missing an arm. They had just returned from the war and were sporting their shiny medals. I was devastated. I remember thinking to myself, “So this is war.” It was not about fallen plastic soldiers or some 40ish Hollywood actor muttering his last words while violins played in the background. Sometimes it’s about young men barely out of their teens having to live out the rest of their lives psychologically or physically maimed. The Aton Project is committed to the philosophy and discipline of non-violence. This is not a political or religious belief. It is simply a matter of common sense in an age where we not only have the means to destroy the planet but also the intelligence to make the planet a better place for all to live in. Remember the old logic that some of our parents used to use: “We can put a man on the moon, but ---.” Think about it. We can put a man on the moon and explore the galaxy but we cannot resolve our differences with our neighbors in a peaceful and rational manner. I know that we can do better. “ --- I enjoyed the Ackee Chronicles very much. I understand that you have been working on a sequel to it. When can we expect to see it?” (Margo K., Silver Springs, Md.) Thank you Margo. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I certainly enjoyed writing it. The sequel is on its way. Right now, it is in the publisher’s hands. Although it will not be as long as the first one, it will include more graphics and will take more reader interaction in solving the problems. Again, I would like to thank all of you for your support and interest in the Ackee Chronicles and in this monthly column. I look forward to your ongoing support, and, when you get a chance, tell a friend about Ackee; the Aton Project, and the Banyon Network. Oh yeah, don't forget your autographed copy of “The Ackee Chronicles”. Tony VanSluytman - the Author  Newsletter Directory The Aton Project - Home Page Tony VanSluytman info Tony VanSluytman - the Author | Return Home | The BOOK DOCTOR | The BANYON NETWORK | The Banyon Buzz Newsletters | The Aton Project Newsletters | Contact Us | |
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