MPD/DID theories would have it that everyone in a system except the "host" was created to do a specific duty, and has a clearly defined role in the system, and is likely to be incapable of doing anything else. Most DID pages you go to will give you a list of "types of alters," a shopping list of cardboard cutouts inevitably including "the depressed host," "the scared child" and "the angry protector." Generally, "protectors", according to the DID pages, are also generally aggressive, bad-tempered, always male (females apparently aren't expected to be capable of doing such a big scary job), and ready to turn on you at a moment's notice, because (remember, all the alters are supposed to be stupid computer programs) they probably think you're an abuser. Also, the 'host' will switch places with the 'protector' EVERY time she (because it's always a she, of course) feels scared or threatened. (This gives us mental images of Bruce Banner turning into the Incredible Hulk and smashing furniture around. "Well, I was just going to cut up some chicken for tonight's dinner..." "Cut?! AHHHHH!" *gets triggered and goes limp, then suddenly snaps back up* "You perp! PROTECTOR SMASH!") Aside from the facetious, however, the general impression people are likely to get from this is that protectors are misguided, irrational (like all 'alters' generally are supposed to be) and potentially dangerous to anyone outside the system. They're paranoid, aggressive, and they think the whole world is out to get them. The good they actually do for the system would seem to be negligible, since they don't seem to be very savvy, and likely to come out swinging every time someone in the system's life seems even vaguely threatening or triggering-- and certainly not anyone who'd be pleasant to be around. Is it any wonder we don't like to talk about the fact that we have protectors in our own system? We don't like to talk about the fact that we have kids in our system, either, because for the most part, they don't want {{{hugs}}} and stuffies and rainbows, nor were they 'created' for any specific purpose. They're kids because, well, that is what they are. Our protectors are also what they are. All of them chose their role voluntarily, not out of misguided aggression, but out of love for the rest of the system and the desire to defend it (not necessarily with offense) and make sure it stays safe. What is a protector? For us, a protector means a person who goes above and beyond the normal call of duty to care for us and keep us safe, regardless of what else they do in the system. A protector needs to be smart, clever, streetwise, emotionally strong, practical, and courageous; a protector needs to be good at assessing situations and knowing when NOT to act out, when to retreat and when to keep silent, because these factors are just as important as a 'good offense.' A protector is someone who gives advice to others in the system, maybe unsolicited, but out of genuine concern nonetheless; a protector looks after our physical and emotional health too. They're the people who will drag us out of bed and off to work or school and make sure we stay clean and functional when others in the system are depressed. They'll bandage wounds and deal with difficult people; they make sure we're eating right and staying healthy; and yes, they -will- take the front in dangerous situations, even if only to keep us safe by means of body language that says "Don't mess with me." It's not about punching people in the face if they remind you of someone who abused you in the past. There's much more to it than that, and someone who doesn't understand that won't do a very good job of being a protector. The greatest military leaders are those who -aren't- all about offense, who knew when to retreat and when to concentrate on defense, who had the charisma and personality and inner strength to be a leader, someone people looked up to and admired and trusted. They need to have as much compassion as courage. There are plenty of times when blunt aggression will backfire on you, both tactically and on a personal level, and a good protector is someone who knows that, and someone who is revered by the people he or she leads. Courage on its own isn't enough to make a protector; it needs more than that. And we think that someone whose only role in a system is to be angry and lash out at people should not be called a protector, because they're not doing much of that. It's about wisdom, it's about common sense, it's about enough things that make me glad I'm not much of a protector around here, because it's not an easy task, and we admire those with the strength of will to do it. -Anthea and Harriet, March 2003 Back |