Other views on ledge hanging

Ledge hangers… These are the people we think, “society” thinks of as crazy, lazy… and some look upon them with disdain. But they are the ones that are, like the ‘crazy’ among us, truly free. They saw all this for what it was; they looked at the angles and realized they wanted no part of this… it was a sucker’s game. I think we all come to that point, where we have to decide which we will be. It can be a painful process, a “mental breakdown” a “middle age crisis,” and we’re faced with one of the most important decisions we can make, do we suck it up and continue that climb or let go and chill. Or did we already close our minds to the possibilities? It takes a certain amount of strength to be a ledge hanger, to break away from the fold, and strike out on your own… free to think and observe, mentally and spiritually free.

I could go on. My father was a ledge hanger and his father-in-law; my grandfather was a ledge hanger, my grandfather’s daughter; my mother is a ledge hanger, and if I’m not, I’m one in waiting. I survive the breakdown only to return to the climb, now I’m stretching to grab hold of that ledge, once and for all.

RipWink

Famous and/or not so famous ledge dwellers

There's an essay, the title of which I can't think of right now, that divides humanity into two groups: ledge hangers and mountain climbers. This blog is about what it means to be a ledge hanger or a fringe dweller, what it means that is, to exist on the margins of society. We can discuss whether ledge hangers are in the majority or minority, in the world or in America; we can discuss the merits of mountain climbing vs. the merits of ledge hanging.

Before we begin, let me add my own first thought: ledge hanging is underrated in this country, and ledge hangers serve a purpose. Ledge hangers have found an alternative time and space, and I envy them greatly. Most days, I long to be a ledge hanger.

Now, I'd like to name three of my most admired ledge hangers: Rip Van Winkle, Troy Maxson ("Fences" by August Wilson), and my own father. Okay, I think all three are debatable, but examining these characters--their strivings and their reconciliations--will be part of the fun.

I also think this is a timely subject as it would appear that the world is about to change, and some of us are going to find our positions changed. Some things are opening up; other things are closing.

So, what say you all?

Signed,
RipwinkII