The
philosopher Aristotle was one of the first to popularly espouse the virtues of
what we would describe today as a "daddy-boy"
relationship, but certainly the idea neither began with him nor
ended with the ancient Greeks. In modern American culture it still
thrives. Whether in a committed relationship or merely in a sexual
one, the concept today is defined in terms of roles assumed by two
adult men..
The logic is simple:
One man assumes the character of "father," the other, the
persona of "son." To many, such role-playing may
seem overly serious or even comical, but the reality is that the
desire is common. Although most wouldn't go as far as defining their
relationships so specifically, the basic dynamic is persistently
present.
Underneath it all is
the tendency of people to be hot-wired toward types. The best way
to explain to those of you who don't get it is this: Once
you, as a "daddy" or a "boy". have identified
the attraction offered by the other-sexual or emotional-you have
identified a desire for someone that you yourself do not possess.
We are socialized to
follow patterns of behaviors and routines. Until recently
nonnuclear couples have had no such traditions to draw from. As a
result, "traditional" roles are eternally being redefined, then gradually assumed, and-viola!-new
subcultures are then born.
