You can read an article
that appeared in the Minnesota Daily
by consulting their electronic archive:
http://www.daily.umn.edu/
Go to Archives.
In the Search box, type: Amy Becker.
She is the author of the article:
"Romance-free relationships wanted"
Monday, February 17, 1997.
Click this article with your mouse.
You will also find a picture of James Park,
the presenter, with this article.
In 1998 this event
was also featured
on the front page of the StarTribune on Valentine's
Day.
An outline of this presentation and discussion appears below:
Our romantic games would
be harmless if everyone knew
that romantic love is a fantasy feeling.
But while still under the influence of romantic
illusions,
some people make the life-altering mistake
of getting married.
We may be wary of every form of political
or religious mythology,
but what about the most potentially harmful
myth—romantic
love?
Religious indoctrination
demonstrates emotional programming.
Is 'being saved' the religious equivalent
of 'falling in love'?
We are taught what emotions to expect—then
we try to re-create them.
If romantic love is a hoax,
what should we do?
Real information can replace romantic illusions.
We can love on the basis of who we choose
to be
rather than trying to reproduce romance as
seen on television.
OUTLINE:
I. Romantic Love was Invented 800 Years Ago by the French Troubadours.
II. 'Falling in Love' as Temporary Insanity—A Phenomenology of Romance.
III. Love & Marriage: Fantasy & Facts.
IV. How Did We Learn the Romantic Response?
V. Emotional Programming: Romantic & Religious.
VI. Good-bye to Illusions, Hello to Reality.
DISCUSSION LEADER:
James Park, the presenter
of this free and open program,
is an existential philosopher with a deep
interest in the dynamics of love.
The first chapter of his
is called "Romantic Love is a Hoax! Emotional
Programming to 'Fall in love'",
which is the background for this talk.
PLACE:
TIME:
WHY: To challenge the pervasive myth of romantic
love
and to open the possibility of loving more
Authentically.
If you would like to read
the first page
of the chapter on which this talk is based,
which includes the outline of that chapter,
click these blue words:
Ch.
1 Romantic Love is a Hoax! Emotional Programming to 'Fall in Love'.
If you would like to read
some good books
critical of romantic love, click these words:
Best
Books Critical of Romantic Love.
Full information about New Ways of Loving by James Park.
Go to a complete listing of resources critical of romantic illusions:
The Romantic Love Portal
.
Return to the LOVE page.
Return to the beginning of this home page:
An
Existential Philosopher's Museum.