Role Models

Hi there,

Regular readers of my blog (Laugh now. Haha…) will have noticed that I have done a little rebranding. For one thing, I have changed my name to Mr. Fox. I think it’s appropriate – I love the movie (Fantastic Mr. Fox that is) and the fox picture is cute so what the hell. Also, this is some kind of record – 3 blog posts in less than a week? Amazing… What can I say? I’m enjoying it.

Today, I’m going to talk about role models. Some people don’t feel the need to have one and that’s fair (Ms. B, I’m looking at you). However, I have a few. And one thing seems to link them all – a ruthless streak. I don’t know what that says about me. Some of them are fictional (Walter White and Don Draper) while some of them are historical figures (Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla come to mind). I’ll tell you why I find them so awesome.

Walter White: To put it simply “He is the danger... the one who knocks!” Breaking Bad fans will know what I mean. Anyways, I like Walter White because he is able to assess situations objectively and take the most appropriate action even if it is not totally ethical. He is willing to do what needs to be done. He is also a fascinating character because he is deeply flawed – watching Breaking Bad these last 5 years opened my eyes to the fact that humans can live with anything. I came up with a saying (I do that from time to time) – “Human beings are like elastic bands – stretch them far enough and they are never quite the same again.” Over the seasons, Walter White escalated his behavior and continued to find things he could live with. His character gives a fascinating insight into human nature.

Don Draper: Another deeply flawed character but also an extremely cool one. Don Draper is the kind of man men want to be and women want to be with. As I’ve said, he is flawed – he can’t seem to find happiness and is always looking for his next fix. And while I find that I’m generally a person who finds contentment in simple things, I cannot deny that I want to be as cool, smooth and suave as he is. A man’s man any day of the week.

Gaius Marius: He is a former Roman consul (what we would call the senate president these days but with a lot more power). He was consul 7 times. To do that in those days, you had to have your wits about you – a hell of a lot of it too. He was extremely cunning and that’s why I admire him. (I am contemplating naming one of my future sons after him. I’m still undecided since madam must agree. Haha)

Lucius Cornelius Sulla: He was a former Roman general and consul. As a matter of fact, he and Gaius Marius were close until his ambition drove them apart. Sulla was probably more cunning than Marius but in addition, he had a seriously ruthless streak and the will to push ahead with whatever he felt he had to do. The man basically took Rome hostage until he was declared consul – he became a dictator. At that time, doing that meant huge balls and brass ones at that. The man had cojones. (I am also considering naming one of my future sons after him. I feel more strongly about this one and madam will hear my argument when the time comes by God’s special grace).

So tell me: who are your role models? And why? I’d really like to know.

That’s all from me for now. Till next time, I remain your fantastic Mr. Fox.