And I Awoke And Found Me Here On The Cold Hill’s Side

And I Awoke And Found Me Here On The Cold Hill’s Side

            This week I chose to read a short story by James Tiptree Jr. about an older man telling a younger man about his regrets in life and to go back home and live a life. The older gentleman talks about how he spent his life trying to get closer to the aliens that would come and visit earth, even working at a bar with two degrees. He gave up a lot of things just to get a chance to talk to one or if he was really lucky, touch one.

            He explains how humans are genetically programmed to try and breed a better species. Now with the aliens, there are too many of the humans trying so desperately to impregnate them or by impregnated by them. This need, to have the very best, even if it is impossible. That we are like birds put a new shiny egg in a bird’s nest and they will roll it over their own eggs.  That what the birds did, is what we are doing to the human race.

            I like how this reflects back on today’s societies need to find a perfect mate or will try anything to meet that superstar in their eyes. Some people go through great length to get as beautiful or be a huge success financially to be able to get a mate they want. It also can reflect the way people treat huge celebrities, like they are gods and can do no harm. How people will camp for days in front of their studio get to get a chance to meet them, to see them in real life.  It reminded me that its important not to throw your life away on an impossible future mate and at the same time stop idolizing people to the point that they aren’t even human anymore.