An Introduction

Now that we’ve got our own online magazine, I thought I should write an introductory post, so I’ll do my best to sum up the vision and intent of this publication in a few short paragraphs.

First, I’d like to welcome all readers. In this era of interactive media, you are not only readers, but participants as well. Every thoughtful comment and bit of feedback adds to The Spearhead. Our contributors are writing for you and speaking truth to the world — including those who refuse to listen. This publication is about finding our voice and making it heard, which is, given the fickle nature of public attention, a never-ending job.

I chose the name as representative of the masculine concepts of freedom, action, vigilance and purpose. Many of my readers on Welmer also suggested a classical theme, and after trying to find a suitable Greek or Latin phrase, I came upon the idea of using clean, simple English to make the point. If some find it a bit rough, too bad; it’s a vigorous, penetrating concept that will leave an impression.

The picture I’ve included with this post is of Ajax carrying his friend Achilles, slain by the coward Paris in a war started by a fickle, cheating wife. Proud, heroic Achilles, laid low by a poisoned dart, is a metaphor for our once strong civilization, which at the peak of its glory was suddenly dealt a treacherous, fatal wound.

As our society slowly hews down the last pillars of masculinity, ennervating a once vigorous civilization, it is important that some among us continue to stand up and live, speak and think as men. Traditionally, civilization – a male construct – has existed in a balance with society, which is largely a feminine domain. As we sacrifice male virtues and qualities for the benefit of society, civilization inevitably dissipates, leaving us with no more than a mass society dominated by fleeting desires, gossip and fashion. This is the “degeneration” so many decry — it isn’t that society is falling apart; rather, society is devouring what’s left of civilization.

This magazine is dedicated to that remnant of civilization, which will eventually rise again. It is an outpost in our cultural wasteland, which is dominated by pretty lies and mindless babbling.

Here at The Spearhead, we’ll bring you the cold, hard truth, whether or not it’s tactful or comfortable. We’ll go farther than telling you the emperor has no clothes; in fact we’d be happy to strip him and parade him naked in front of all his subjects. We aren’t really interested in conservatism or liberalism — when the entire structure is rotten you might as well bring it down so as to build a newer, better temple.

In the meanwhile, I invite readers to participate in laying the groundwork for a renewal even as the rotting hulk crumbles around us.

Tagged as: introduction, renewal