This old COMIC, published in 1950, not only revealed the mores and standards of that time period, but also suggests that the "work" to be done in a heterosexual relationship must be accomplished by the woman, who must continually play against the male ego.....teen girls read these "relationships" comics which gave them advice about handling the other sex from the perspective that most of the work, at that level, was the responsibility of the female, who is relatively content if her man is faithful, brings home the bacon and provides the amenities of middle class Life....I thought of the copper penny side of Revolutionary Road......Boys of the same age were preoccupied with Blackhawk, Superheros like Plastic Man and The Atom, which evolved in the 1950's and continue to be the designated format for the entertainment of pre-teen boys (and very immature older boys, too)........while girls were learning to cope, problem solve and make compromises, boys had only to shoot cap pistols, wear superhero capes and be relatively insensitive to the interests of others......Dig this line, from "I Toyed With Love" from the comic pictured: "Who can measure the hairbreadth line between Love and Hate? Who knows where one leaves off and the other begins? I thought I turned against my sweetheart to protect my younger sister from his past of secrecy and guilt.....but was my true motive wrapped up in a web of jealousy and deceit?" That certainly trumps dialogue between the Joker and Batman, doesn't it........ Men are so unconditioned in matters of the heart..........
River Of Days by Michael Joy
