Since time began, that is human time, man has discovered new things, and upon some survival depends. We have learned how to make fires; we have learned how to fight forest fires. We have learned to communicate with each other, and with future generations, by using animal blood to make cave paintings. Those who have not been damaged by vandalism still survive. We have developed sequences of sounds that we call “languages.” These words strung together, have sometimes meant survival or a call to arms, as in, “The Redcoats are coming!”
We have created sublime works of ceramic arts, fine art paintings, and other artistic renderings. At the same time, we have painted ugly graffiti, full of hateful, and confused images. Most art work is meant to be expressive. I suppose any art work only has to mean something to its maker. Take Picasso. Yes, I mean … take Picasso … please. His famous painting, “Guernica” that depicts the Spanish Civil War, is not my cup of tea.
I can see the idea of war. Some kid gets smashed to the ground in the playground and his glasses get stolen. Well, he is going to want retribution, not to mention his personal property back.
For the life of me, I cannot understand thousands of men, fighting with each other, to the death, when they are not personally acquainted and have no personal quarrel. Yet, this has happened time and again. What gives? I can’t see myself marching up to someone I never knew before, and say, shooting that person in the head. Maybe I’m naive. I don’t understand violence, but I do “get it” a little better, if there is a cause.
I started out by asking “Why Be Neanderthals?” Can I rephrase that question? Why NOT Be Neanderthals? I mean I didn’t see their daily “rag” or anything, but I have to think and to hope that they were too preoccupied with trying to start a fire to cook something tasty, and that random casualties were rare.
I’ll have to revisit my Art History books. I am probably all wrong in mentioning “Neanderthals.” It was most likely some other group who made the paintings in places like the Caves of Altamira. Neanderthals were simply the earliest group of humans who come to mind. The name wreaks of a certain primitivism that is appealing. I’m merely trying to make a point. If I have to explain it to you, then I’ve already failed.
Live free and enjoy peace, and if you see a Neanderthal running toward you with a stone axe raised high, head in the other direction … fast. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of my silly wanderings with you on another day. For now, I must turn to more serious matters.
Patricia Cummings
