The Grand Canyon Meets the Male Ego . . .

In exploring the southwest United States this past week, a highlight has been a visit to the Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA). I always find it a bit amusing how the male ego will adopt its overbearing ways to any environment. At the Grand Canyon, the male ego is usually manifested in the attempt to prove one's manliness by getting as close as possible to the edge of the canyon. I saw a rather sad example of this when one man insisted on going right to the edge of one unprotected area while reducing his fearful wife to tears and tremors, as she pleaded with him not to do so. He insisted that the only way to get a true panoramic photo was by going right to the edge. Evidently he had promised his wife beforehand that he would not do so, as she kept begging him to remember his promise. It was a sad display, and a clear reminder why over 600 recorded deaths have occurred in the Grand Canyon since the 1870's. Those deaths are in most cases young, healthy males who were simply overconfident and arrogantly disobeyed the rules. It seems the male ego never takes a holiday!