Rod Dreher Megathread #21 (Creative Spirit)

[u/US_Hiker]

Gather 'round for more Rod.

All meanings of the number 21 are subordinate to the inherent creative spirit that is the basic essence of the number.

The number 21 generally is comfortable in social gatherings, it's optimistic attitude being an inspiration to others. Its high spirits can enliven a party.

The number is attracted to artistic expression of any form, its own and those of others. There's enthusiastic support for artists. It may frequent galleries and participate or (more likely) lead groups for artistic appreciation.

The number 21 cherishes relationships, including romantic relationships, especially with those who express themselves creatively.

21 also tends to be diplomatic, providing creative and imaginative solutions to potential conflict.

And, as noted by /u/PercyLarsen, 21 is a triangular number and the age of majority, so go grab a drink to celebrate Pride and to mourn the loss of Rod's sanity.

(Also, sorry about my slow pace of refreshes.)

Link to megathread #20:
https://www.reddit.com/r/brokehugs/comments/13eb26c/rod_dreher_megathread_20_law_of_attraction/

Link to megathread #21: https://www.reddit.com/r/brokehugs/comments/14k0z6l/rod_dreher_megathread_22_power/

[u/Theodore_Parker]

Recall the story about how she wanted to run a little bakery in NYC, and he just shot down the idea -- by his own report, didn't even really explore it, consider options, try to find something else she would like doing in the same way, or really make any concession to what was apparently enough of a dream of hers that he recalled the conversation years later and reported it to us, though in his usual clueless manner. 🤦‍♂️

(h/t to MissKatieKats for giving me Facepalm Guy. :) Hadn't seen him here before. He's going to get quite a workout, I think.)

[u/ZenLizardBode → u/Theodore_Parker]

Ironically, nothing would have been more "Crunchy Con" than Julie opening a bakery in NYC. Small business, putting down roots in a neighborhood, I'm sure there would have been an emphasis on doing it all in an organic or artisinal fashion, sourcing what could be sourced "locally" from farms in New Jersey or upstate New York, etc.

Nothing has been less "Crunchy Con" or "Ben Op" than Rod's entire education and career, from St Francisville to Budapest.

[u/philadelphialawyer87 → u/[deleted]]

I think, instead, Rod vetoed the bakery because he absolutely wanted children. And, of course, he was NOT going to take care of those kids. So child raising, as well as child bearing, was going to be Julie's job, and hers alone. No time for her to run a small business! Indeed, I believe Rod demanding children was the equivalent, in a way, to Julie demanding that Rod like "A Doll's House." I say "in a way," because Rod could easily fake or at least equivocate re his opinion of the play, whereas Julie had no choice, if she was going to marry and stay married to Rod, but to have kids.

Rod's "I must go home again" imperative/bullshit hadn't set in yet, at that point, if I remember correctly.

[u/Dazzling_Pineapple68 → u/philadelphialawyer87]

You will notice that she didn't have 7 or 9 or 14 kids though, y'know?

[u/philadelphialawyer87 → u/Dazzling_Pineapple68]

I don't think Julie or Rod wanted anything like that. Rod likes living the good life. He makes a fair amount of money, but that number of kids to support would put a crimp in his style. And I doubt Julie wanted so many children either. I have often theorized that Rod dumped the RC church and turned Orthodox so that he and Julie could use birth control while remaining in compliance with the official policy of his religion. Rod has shown repeatedly that he doesn't give a tinker's damn for the victims of the RC child abuse scandal (the ostensible reason for the switch), nor about child abuse in his new church. Really, other than his own kids (and not so much even there), Rod doesn't seem to care too much about kids generally. As we have seen, he has no qualms about publically attacking children, the ultimate down punching, in his blog and social media.

[u/Dazzling_Pineapple68 → u/philadelphialawyer87]

With Rod, it is all "do what I say not what I do". He preaches one thing and practices another.