I Wanna Be Free, by Martha Thomases – Brilliant Disguise

July 2, 2010 Martha Thomases 3 Comments

There are those who say that the United States in general, and New York City in particular, are the targets of terrorists because  “They hate us for our freedoms.”  Our founding fathers guaranteed us the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

This weekend is a fine time to remember that pursuing happiness is an American act.  And having just read this hilarious book by the highly talented Dan Savage (whose syndicated “Savage Love” newspaper column made it much easier to talk about sex with my then-teenager), I’d like to suggest that everyone spend some time being really patriotic.

What makes you happy?  What constitutes happiness?  Every single one of us probably has a different definition.  First, our basic physical needs must be met.  We need adequate food, water and shelter.  We need to be appropriately warm or cool (but not hot or cold).

Physical comfort is pleasant, but in and of itself, it’s not happiness.  For that, you need more.  I would suggest that one needs some kind of stimulation.  This is where we differ.  Whatever the sense is aroused by this stimulation, we each have different preferences.  Most humans get sexually aroused by some kind of friction in the pubic area, and yet none of us defines ourselves as rubosexuals.  No, we refine our preferences infinitely.  This variety of sexual tastes has lead to eons of pornography.

Other senses, alone and in combination, are also aroused individually and uniquely.  We each have favorite colors, tastes and sounds.  As a result, we have art, music, the culinary arts, drama, literature, fashion and film. And, sometimes, some pretty awesome food.

Pride Weekend in New York last week was a fabulous assortment of happiness.  There were hot, sweaty crowds for those who like them.  There were balloons and ball-gowns and lots and lots of music.  While I didn’t watch the parade proper, my neighborhood park was graced with a group of guys, one of whom was black, slim, shirtless, wearing short-shorts, white socks and black sneakers.  And cheerleader pom-poms.  Just looking at him made me gleeful.

So, celebrate your freedoms.  Create art.  Cook something fabulous and share it with your friends.  Rock out.

And rub against someone you love.

Don’t let the terrorists win

Media Goddess Martha Thomases is, alas, far from her favorite sex object this weekend.