This was going to be a fun frolic through the long weekend break I have just returned from.
But things change. And when the anger builds up it needs to be released.
As is clear from looking at the news across the globe, there are any number of conflicts, disagreements, and opposing views involving any number of issues. They are all serious, some deadly, many complex and intractable.
However, due to the latest predator to be dragged into the spotlight, the ongoing struggle for fair, honest, respectful and decent behaviour by men towards women is exposed as far, far, far from where it should be.
Once again a man in power is shown to be remorseless in the abuse of that position to satisfy their particular cravings.
Once again the surrounding organisation’s condemnation proves lacklustre at the very best, and more often than not supportive by inaction.
And once again the victims are blamed. For being victims.
Can we not at least get that one right. Finally, can we please acknowledge that the victim is not responsible for the actions of those who see their own particular urges, drives, needs as more important than basic decency.
The perpetrator is the guilty party. The only guilty party.
Except for every time that we accept, allow, indulge in banter, ‘a bit of fun’, ‘I was too drunk’, ‘where is your sense of humour?’, ‘you know you want to really’, and every other little element of reinforcement that pervades our lives.
And more importantly, pervades the lives of every woman, everywhere. All the time.
Humanity, as a species, has accomplished much. Great leaps in science, arts, understanding, cooperation.
Man, as a sub-species, has not moved forward in the most fundamental stage of evolution – the acknowledgement that woman is equal, and deserving of total respect.
And until every man can say that, and live by that, without having to think about it, then no man can.
Because it is our problem. Every man’s problem.
I hope that I have arrived at that place, although I am positive that I have much to regret and apologise for in my life.
But, I know that I cannot sit back and say my job’s done, because it isn’t. None of us can say that. Not until every man can.
We will know when that time comes when this is not a conscious thought, but that is a long way off.
And each time an excuse is made, or a sudden realisation claimed, or a blame passed to the victim, any progress takes another step back.
We are guilty, by association, by inaction, by silence.
Time to shout now boys.
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