Creating a Monster

Hillary Clinton wrote, It Takes a Village. I completely agree. The fact is, while parents are the first and front line when it comes to raising children, so many other people need to be involved. Teachers and doctors are obvious, but in this day and age, the school is providing so many additional services and many children see psychologists to help them through difficult situations, situations that were ignored in years gone by, we see more people involved in raising a child. In addition, as a parent, when I get frustrated with my child, sometimes I need people to help calm me down, or show me that I am making a mountain out of a molehill, so I can do a better job raising my son.

I find it interesting that there was an author way before Hillary Clinton who seemed to put forth this notion in her book. In all seriousness, one of the best books I ever read about parenting was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I read Frankenstein when my wife was pregnant and I immediately thought, "This is a great book about parenting".

Here is a story about a man who discovers he has the ability to create a human life. Okay, well most adults have that ability. The creature created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein (for those who do not know, Frankenstein is the name of the creator. His creation is never given a name) is ugly. He is hideous looking and Dr. Frankenstein is scared. To me, this represents the fear or nervousness that is normal to have upon finding out a baby is expected. Yes, it is exciting to find out one is expecting, but there is often also concern in terms of worrying about having a little one who will be entirely dependent upon you.

The question is, 'how does the individual deal with that fear'. In the case of Victor Frankenstein, he leaves the creature to fend for himself. This is unforgivable. The parent has left the child craving love and attention. The creature tries to find a friend. Unfortunately, whenever an individual sees this hideous creature, the individual runs away in fear. This then is a story not only about a 'child' who is abandoned by parents, but also a story about a 'child' who is neglected by society. The village is not there for this child.

Upon realizing no one will befriend him, Dr. Frankenstein's creation starts being mischievous in an attempt to bring his 'father' out of hiding. This actually works and the only thing this being requests is for Dr. Frankenstein to build a female equivalent for companionship. At first the doctor agrees but then he fears he will have no control over either being. He is concerned since both creations will have super strength and super intelligence. Afraid that the two creatures could actually rule, or destroy the world, ultimately Victor Frankenstein refuses.

The creature now becomes a monster, telling Dr. Frankenstein he will be sorry if he doesn't grant the request for a female counterpart. Upon not getting his way, the monster ultimately destroys everyone and everything Dr. Frankenstein holds near and dear.

The lesson, to me, seems quite simple. It is important for parents to spend time and take care of their children. It is important to have outside help from society. If these two elements are lacking, if we forget that the parents are the front line but it does take a village, instead of creating a child, we are creating a monster. Yes, Frankenstein is an excellent book about parenting.