One of the funniest shows that I ever
viewed, (if it can be called a ‘show’ since it consumed a major portion of The
Jackie Gleason television program) was “The Honeymooners.”
Following is a synopsis of that mid-50’s
weekly TV segment
Played by Jackie Gleason, Ralph Kramden was a bus driver for the fictional Gotham Bus
Company based out of Brooklyn, NY. He is never seen driving a bus (except in
publicity photos), but is often shown at the bus depot. Ralph is frustrated by
his lack of success, and often develops get-rich-quick
schemes. Ralph is
very short tempered, frequently resorting to bellowing, insults and hollow
threats. Well-hidden beneath the many layers of bluster, however, is a
soft-hearted man who loves his wife and is devoted to his best pal, Ed Norton.
Ralph enjoys bowling, playing pool and being a member in the Loyal Order of
Raccoon Lodge (although in several episodes a blackboard at the lodge lists his
dues as being in arrears). Ralph was given honorary membership in the union for
real New York City bus drivers (Local 100 of the Transport
Workers Union)
during the run of the show, and a Brooklyn bus depot was named in Gleason's
honor after his death (Wikipedia)
Although the
segment had a limited run of 39 issues, as it faced stiff completion from “The
Perry Como Show,” I think its impact is still being felt today. At least, there
are millions of so-called ‘baby boomers’ who remember it well, and videos of
the program can still be purchased and viewed internet sites today.
The
personality and antics of the middle-aged, overweight bus driver were, it seems
to me, almost a mix of the comedy duo, Laurel & Hardy. Whereas, Ralph
possessed some ‘there there’ in terms of his innate intelligence, he managed to
scheme his ways into the most ridiculous, well, schemes, and almost without fail,
he came up on ‘the short end of the stick.’
Perhaps
Kramden’s behavior patterns had been role-modeled by his father. He seemed to
have a sense of entitlement characterized by, as the synopsis implies,
investing money in ‘sure to win’ but, on a practical basis, sure to fail, get
rich quick ventures. If he could just make it work one time, he’d be able to
get out of the second class shambles of a neighborhood in which he lived, and
go on to live happily ever after with his beloved, Alice.
As a
counselor, I’m convinced old Ralph’s attitude and behavior has something to
teach us. Although, as we used to say in the south, he was ‘funny as all get
out,’ what he had going on doesn’t get it done in the real world.
WHAT FEELS GOOD DOESN’T ALWAYS WORK
GOOD
Ralph was a
creature of his emotions. His innate desire to ‘hit the big time’ got the best
of him, and he surrendered whatever smidgen of logic he possessed when the
stimulus to do otherwise came knocking at his door. It felt good, but it didn’t
always work good.
HE INVOLVED OTHER PEOPLE IN HIS
SHENANIGANS
Ralph
couldn’t help but to share his wild and wacky ideas with Ed Norton, his
tenement neighbor. Though Ed was often tempted to say, ‘No’ and though he
wasn’t as easily led astray as his rotund friend, he was easily persuadable and
he loved his buddy far too much to allow him to go it alone.
HE DIDN’T LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES
N.A. has a definition for Insanity which, even as a counselor, I cannot nay-say.
"Repeating the same mistakes (time and time again) and expecting different results.
That's what Ralph did. And time and time again, he 'went down in flames.'
To put a positive spin on a negative behavior pattern, I have often admonished my clients,
"If you want something you've never had, you may have to do something you've never done."
HE WAS JUST PLAIN STUCK
Like waking
up with your feet in a wet gray mixture …and discovering its concrete.
The poor man
was stuck in his ways, and he wasn’t interesting in changing.
Among the
thousands of clients with whom I’ve worked over the course of a quarter
century, I’ve met far too many men and women who fit this profile.
Too many of
God’s creatures are content to be mediocre, or at the least haven’t a clue how
to break out of those stale old, dysfunctional patterns of behavior. They fall
short of God’s plans and purposes, seem content to while away their years, and
never fulfill the destiny He designed for them
…before He made the worlds.
By William McDonald, PhD. From (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 44. Copyright pending
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