“Protest and celebrate?”, “Today?”, “What for?”,
“Who should protest and celebrate?”
Men! That’s who should protest and celebrate.
“What for though, it’s International Women’s Day….you’re, you’re a…..a man”, I’m told.
“Yes”, would be my answer. “Men should celebrate”.
Only some though which is not enough. When we all celebrate, that’ll be day we have equality.
My thoughts are that men, despite the belief they give women equal footing in their day-to-day lives, are actually misogynistic in nature. Don’t worry though! It’s inherent, but certainly worthy to work towards.
I might love my daughter, my mother, my sister and her daughter to bits but I will inadvertently mention something in discussion which they themselves too will accept. The same applies in the workplace, a dinner date or perhaps with friends. Unfortunately, it’s inherent, whether men like it or not. And, in spite of this it is completely unacceptable thanks to society and the hundreds of societal years prior to all this. It’s no fault of either of us but we can only try. Once you recognise you have made a mistake and it’s highlighted by a close family member of friend, or even by yourself….celebrate! I would anyway. It happened once with my mother and I and I’m glad she raised it. She made me understand.
I’m not asking anyone to get onside with my thoughts as I knowingly roll differently to others but my experience so far has been that I unknowingly show disrespect to other women. That’s my starting point I’m afraid and I work on it….always. I do need help though and need it highlighted if I offend. Not just today though should it be highlighted nevertheless today does help to have it on the agenda. And, since I class myself as a friendly and courteous person who, during one of my long distance runs, wouldn’t so much bash into into a tourist* who is candy crushing on a smartphone, you just wouldn’t think I was capable of such disrespect to women.
I think this article is work in progress. I should caveat that with everything I write on here (and on twitter) as my opinions change and knowledge makes me increasingly wise but what I never expect I have done in the past is stoop so low to what is mentioned here on this clip. If society is like this, and on the rise, we are approaching end game. Or maybe, we are at the beginning of the end. It is after all a Trump era where misogyny is trumping. But it can be defeated. Real men will stand up! Real sinners.
So , what is this clip? Have a look. It will be worth 8 minutes of your time. For men, at least do your inner self some justice and test yourself but I’m nobody to command this – all up to you! Check if you are bursting with anger/disgust or if you think something of an alternative nature. If that something says she deserves it in whatever shape or form it comes in then I’m placing you, on behalf of society, in the misogynist bracket. Your welcome!
For those that passed apply the same thoughts if you refer to someone as ‘being gay’ when deriding another that demonstrates qualities of weakness (or strength?). I highlight homosexuality because this is another group that gets in the teeth but is somewhat accepted by society. Homosexuals have another few months to go until the protests and celebrations begin but it doesn’t mean we have to wait until then. Even though the comments cited in this 8 minute clip are awful I believe this broad line falls all the way back to the point where it is unknowing to us men. If I’m further back in the line than you, or you to I, then somebody has some work to do.
I feel confident to talk about this as it’s my own personal journey. Say what you like though, just ensure you tell me you think about yourself, and you alone. At least that’s where equality starts at. If you’re starting point is pure equality then nothing else matters and you can be free from the shackles that society also wants to see us imprisoned under. This is certainly not a sermon, but believers of Christ will know we were born sinners so if you stick with His one and only commandment then you will be saved. Nowhere in the bible does it say men and women are unequal. Society however tells us we should be unequal yet also imprisoned.
Anyway, back to the video. That’s the reason for writing. I was about to post it on Facebook before I found myself about 10 lines down so decided immediately it belonged here…safe and sound in a word press piece and only in sight of those that actually think my opinions are worth hearing. Yes, the video…let’s just say I am appalled. I do feel like at times undertaking an unchristian act towards these vile creatures of the devil . They need saving. I shall pray God speaks into the hearts, into their souls, as well as to their partners, girlfriends, wives, mothers, daughters, nieces, neighbours, colleagues, bosses, teachers etc. etc. We also need women to call inequality out. Also, as a sinner I’ll be there to support if needed and I’ll call it out if I hear it. Similarly, if I feel society is shackling me I’ll openly disagree with some calls. I officially pledged last year to my daughter that I’d do something about this and it has worked. My eyes are open but still lots to learn. I’ll pledge this year however to all women, and I won’t be by giving them flowers or kisses. I’ll simply give them my heart, the love of Jesus and perhaps an invitation to have a coffee.
*tourist may be male or female by the way
Gary A. D. Weir 