Lords of the Rings

I spent the weekend in Santa Monica with my family basking in California's almost always perfect weather-- when I witnessed what might be just a local phenomenon... A "ring culture." Who they are I have no clue, but what they can do as they swing from ring to ring is most impressive-- like trapeze artists at a circus. Why I write about this is because it's an interesting (at least I think so) observation in human behavior -- and particularly an observation about men... Though there are women "ringers" too.

If you've been to the beach in Santa Monica I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. There is a bar with about a dozen metal rings, and anyone who deems himself (or herself) strong enough can swing all the way across and back. All are included and invited to try -- though it takes a certain upper body strength and willingness to be humiliated when you don't quite cut it. Mostly it is the bronzed and chiseled alpha male that makes the attempt. The real ringers can do twirls in between like wanna be Olympians, and swing and arc their bodies into all sorts of contortions as they reach from ring to ring.

As I watched from afar my husband got in line with his "ring friends" as he started to call them by the end of the weekend. He wasn't the only non-regular giving it a go. Some Japanese tourists also waited their turn -- though neither could quite get far enough. An older gentlemen made a few failed attempts but finally, with his family and the regular ringers' support, he made it to the end. Everyone, ringers and spectators alike, gave him a big round of applause as if celebrating a rite of passage. As I said all are accepted. So why do so many men try? (Besides the need for attention while showing off their pecs.) Maybe it goes back to their pack-like mentality from the caveman days (sorry guys) or simply an eagerness to prove their manliness. Certainly there's the challenge and the workout. And while it isn't a competiton -- the regulars do try to outdo one another. But there is also the bonding that goes on. Some of the regulars lend the non-ringers chalk for their hands, or dole out advice... Like you have to pull yourself up to one ring before reaching forward to grasp the other.

Fortunately, my husband is very strong and he made it to the end and back a few times, though his career as a ringer was cut short with the development of a few painful hand calluses. But even my 3 year-old son wanted to try and he was able to hold on for a few seconds.

As for me, you may be wondering? I had nothing to prove and was there for the spousal support. Ok, I do admit to grabbing on to the kids' set nearby. What I discovered? I'm better off with my feet firmly planted on the ground. Well, thank goodness it's a long way to Santa Monica and a definite amount of humiliation. My husband though, keeps talking about the "ring culture" like he's been indoctrinated into a muy macho select club. Oh well, boys will be boys.

Comments

Natalie, I saw you on the show this morning and loved the dress you were weairing!! Wed. 3/14/07. Who and were can I get it. Thanks. I love you hosting. Mary

Natalie,
As a teacher who encourages kids to give the rings a try at every recess, I'm glad to see that upper body strength is uppermost in the minds of many :-)

I'm not so glad to see the "boys will be boys" comment, as many parents use it as an excuse for unacceptable behavior on the part of their sons.

It's a catch-all phrase that is used to cover verbal abuse, physical aggression and sexual harassment...all of which hamper teaching while inflicting emotional and physical distress on kids.

There are thousands of dedicated teachers in this country, working to educate while being mindful of the safety and well being of all in their charge. Truth be told, media messages are making the job of teaching even more difficult.

The only time the media is interested in teachers is when they can get sensationalized headlines from the few bad apples.

How about a series on dedicated, professional teachers (and principals) who work hard each day and need the support of parents and the media.

Thanks

This reminds me so much of the obstacle courses (or so called "confidence courses," I've done for training in the millitary. There is very little else like it in terms of building comradery. Last time i did one we wern't even required to do every obstacle but everyone did anyway. They really are alot of fun once you get over the shock of what it looks like and just do it.
I realized from reading this that i never thought of the obstacles as more for the men. This is one of the perks from being a women in the military i guess:). You see the pack-like mentality close up right from the begining.
Ask anyone who's been through basic training about how the males and females act differently as groups.it's pretty fascinating. After basic guys and girls work together and you don't really think of that anymore. We're just one team. I'm really glad for the opportunity of being part of the "male bonding" experience. I think alot of women are missing out seeing it as such a guy thing and just watching.

Natalie,
Tell the teacher to take a chill pill! I think she took your "boys will be boys" comment out of context! There is always someone who will complain about something, you can not please everyone.
Keep up the good work, you are a great asset to the Today Show!

I'm one of the male ring swingers--I may have even met your husband that day--and I take offense at you calling the scene a "muy macho" boys' club.

You mention our cameraderie, how we cheered the older gentleman, and how there were in fact women swingers, but then you dismiss us as "muy macho" boys.

Macho Alpha Males wouldn't encourage others. Competitive chest-thumpers wouldn't be generous with their chalk and volunteer advice to newcomers.

And the women that swing are amazing, strong, and feminine all at the same time. Why are you so eager to condemn this as a male-only activity when you saw women swing with your own eyes? Don't you think women are capable enough? Why impose gender limits?

Frankly I find your casual disdain for this supposed boys' club as insulting to men and demeaning to women. If you take the time to examine your attitudes here, I think you'll find that you've unintentionally insulted our community and you've reinforced bad gender stereotypes about what women can or should do.

Oh, Natalie, Santa Monica may be a long way off, but Riverside Park, NYC is not.
We have rings here, too, just like SM. A well kept 'secret'. The culture might be different - I've never been to SM. What's the same is that anyone who tries gets tons of encouragement and cheers (and all the chalk you need) and whatever advice you don't mind taking. Weekend late afternoons and evenings are a madhouse. You have to queue up behind the hordes of pre-teen girls who excel at it.

Oh, Natalie, Santa Monica may be a long way off, but Riverside Park, NYC is not.
We have rings here, too, just like SM. A well kept 'secret'. The culture might be different - I've never been to SM. What's the same is that anyone who tries gets tons of encouragement and cheers (and all the chalk you need) and whatever advice you don't mind taking. Weekend late afternoons and evenings are a madhouse. You have to queue up behind the hordes of pre-teen girls who excel at it.

Oh, Natalie, Santa Monica may be a long way off, but Riverside Park, NYC is not.
We have rings here, too, just like SM. A well kept 'secret'. The culture might be different - I've never been to SM. What's the same is that anyone who tries gets tons of encouragement and cheers (and all the chalk you need) and whatever advice you don't mind taking. Weekend late afternoons and evenings are a madhouse. You have to queue up behind the hordes of pre-teen girls who excel at it.

Looks like you have made quick and inacurate conclusion about "Ring Culture". You are welcome to check responce to your article at http://www.ringflyers.com

Based on your article, I get the feeling you're the type of female who doesn't like to break a nail. You should've at least tried the rings before you labeled it. You know, Make a little body muscle. Or you could've just stayed quiet, pretended not be a complete feminist and be that supportive wife you said you were.

Hello Natalie,
Not all alpha males need to prove themselves on the "ring culture" or whatever the situation calls for. Maybe your husband just wanted to have some fun while on vacation or perhaps he just wanted to prove himself to you and maybe get lucky that evening or perhaps he simply just wanted to swing!
BTW, why do you run marathons?

N YOUR COMMENT TODAY, DURING THE "EASTER DUCK," REMINDED ME OF THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF AN ARTICLE ON PERFUME FROM LAST WEEK'S NYer Mag.

"You don’t have to like perfume to like “Perfumes: The Guide.” Its blend of technical knowledge and evocative writing is exemplary in the strict sense: people who write about smell and taste in any context should use it as an example. Turin may be wrong about what appeals to the male neocortex, however. As Sanchez says, “The question that women casually shopping for perfume ask more than any other is this: ‘What scent drives men wild?’ After years of intense research, we know the definitive answer. It is bacon.

Enjoy your work and presence on the T show so ... enjoy your pregnancy.

Natalie,

Welcome Back !!! Congratulation on your birth ... I am one of your FANS and love watching Anne Curry, AL and I also enjoyed Amy ...
welcome Back,

sincerely,

hatsumi arakaki

Hi Natalie,

Those rings are great, and, yes, they can be tough, though I can handle them better now--at 42--than before. My boys, though, especially my oldest, are up-and-coming spider monkeys! They make it look so easy. All they need is that momentum to get to the next ring and they're on their way.

It's a pleasure to have come across your blog and to write you. I catch Today when I can and you are great at both hard news and lighter features.

Take care.