Well... contrary to what I thought - a very close friend of mine was really upset at me going ga ga about Frank and Claire Underwood. In case you are wondering who are Frank and Claire - they happen to be fictional characters from a political thriller TV Series 'House of Cards'
He read my earlier blog (We love you, Mrs Underwood, more than Sharks love blood!) - got curious enough to start watching House Of Cards and finished Season-1.Though he is impressed with the series and now hooked onto watching Season-2, he seemed upset with fact that I like Frank and Claire.
This is how one of our conversations went...
Me: So... what do you think of Frank and Claire?
He: Dude... I don't like them at all!
Me: *shocked* But why?
He: Well, what is there to like about them?
Me: You got to be kidding me! Don't you see - its a really evolved form of relationship. They both are aligned at the core - yet retain their individuality. They accept and embrace each others dark sides completely.
He: I think its not so much acceptance as it is a business-partnership. They don't have any love for each other - they are together just because of greed for power.
Me: No.. I think you missed the point. Yes, there is element of sharing common goals but that's not what defines their relationship.
He: OK probably I missed the point - care to elaborate why you think of their relationship as 'godly'? I know its exaggeration but the way you are going ga ga about it.. man!
Me: Well.... two words to describe it 'ruthless pragmatism'. This is what they both practice at their work and you see these elements at play in their relationship as well.
He: Dude.. who in this world will be OK to see his wife betraying him and going to a former lover for few days. To top it all, he accepts when she joins him back. Likewise which wife would allow the husband to sleep around with a woman just because it will help him for his grand plans.
Me: Ah I see... so you are judging them based on your moral standards.
He: Yes I have to. Wouldn't you?
Me: Yes and No. But the moment you start judging, you will miss out on things because you would have willingly chosen to ignore since it did not fit in your value system. Go beyond your reasons of right/wrong, moral/immoral and you will discover there is something special in this case.
He: I don't understand what you are saying.
Me: Ok.. I will simplify. Regarding sleeping around, of course no normal person would accept it.
He: Thank you.. there you go! *Proud grin*
Me: *Smiles* Wait.. I am not finished yet :)
No normal person would accept it but then Underwoods are special. In the grand scheme of things they both trust each other and have mutual respect. Having a good amount of respect for the other is what allows them to make concessions. Blend this respect with a flavor of acknowledging that everyone has a dark side. Now embrace this fact completely and bingo... what do we have?
He: Dude thats way too twisted depiction of life. I don't think it is ideal. Secondly it is not possible in real world.
Me: I never said that that is the ideal model. I find it really intriguing and I am highly impressed with what they share. Possible or not in real world - I do not know. But I love them.
He: Yes... I think you have made that point very clear!
Me: Dude.. Most in your friend-circle are married.. yes?
He: Yes.. and? Don't tell me you want to say how miserable they are.
Me: No No.. certainly not. Their are some really beautiful marriages I know of and consider myself fortunate to be have those people in my life... you know.. I have seen many flavors of how a perfect partnership works.
He: 'Flavors of perfect partnership'... dude its not an ice-cream! :) Anyways... coming to the discussion - you never know whats underneath the seemingly happy couples though... do you?
Me: Yes, of course. You know what... it just occurred to me that we have a interesting topic for next time, 'Flavors of perfect partnership'.. lol :)
I think we have discussed enough about Mrs Underwood today.
He: Yes it seems like we have. Anyways... to summarize - I still maintain my stand - Frank and Claire are together just because of their agenda of obtaining power - there is no love between them - its a very mechanical marriage. Probably I may like them after Season-2... for now I don't.
Me: *Sighs* Alright... let us agree to disagree till then.
And so ended the conversation.
One thing that I noticed - when we are in process of observing things, analyzing, interpreting, taking decisions, judging etc our biases slip-in clandestinely and play a huge role in shaping our decisions. An acknowledgment of this fact will help us be aware that our interpretation of things is definitely not comprehensive but actually it is limited - the limiting conditions being our inherent biases and assumptions to name a few.
We continue to live with our view of the world and take that as a definite and ultimate truth. An awareness of the fact that that is not correct will make us more receptive than what we currently are.
Lastly,