Sigmund Freud, the brilliant mapmaker of the human mind, could still only describe id through the use of analogies. Likening the basic human personality structure to a “cauldron full of seething excitations.” Chaos. A primitive instinct with a singular purpose but to satisfy one’s wants without thought to circumstance or to the affects on others. Freud said we’re all born “id-ridden,” and it is something most of us learn to negotiate as we grow older, more compassionate.
A “seething cauldron” is the analogy one could use to describe one Atlantic City elevator exactly one year ago. The same elevator Ray Rice walked into with his then-fiancée, Jaynay, in the early morning hours immediately following Valentine’s Day. A verbal argument fueled by alcohol and a disagreement over wedding plans turned to blows. The end result was the crumpled body of a young woman knocked unconscious by a vicious left hook from a professionally trained athlete; a lightning-quick, primal reaction, to dismiss what another person deemed a nuisance.
The actions of all involved, from the National Football League to law enforcement to the owners of the hotel could be best described by ESPN’s Chris Berman as “fumbling, bumbling, stumbling.” From February to September, the details of the event were left to public speculation. Though the argument could be made that the public need not know the details of the incident, it was the manner in which the fallout was handled by people of authority that still troubles people today. Once TMZ released the elevator footage seven months later, the under-whelmed response Rice’s attack received up until that point became just as disturbing. Another domestic violence incident was swept under the rug.
Colleges across the Capital District recently hosted forums surrounding the violence against women. It is pathetic that we, as a modern, first world society, still have to talk about why violence against any gendered spouse is wrong. A century apart from Woman’s Suffrage, and more than fifty years removed from the Civil Rights Movement, we are now at a time where gay marriage is reality and acceptance of transgender individuals is near. But, talk we must.
The wrong isn’t just behind the act, it’s what leads to the act. Commonly, violence is used to shut the other person down. Their view, their station in life, is insignificant or unwanted. Why? Because, someone was uncomfortable when presented with the situation. Instead of taking the chance to learn, or extending a hand to show respect, some of us still come back to chaos. The root of the problem goes back to id. Those of us who walk the path of treating our fellow man with respect and compassion have learned to negotiate with id. Those who resort to violence, give in to vices, continue to shun people who fail to fit a mold – are nothing but a baby.