Stop the Violence

If you read my previous post then you are well aware that I have just completed a class titled 'Gender Violence & Social Change' and we covered such topics as Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Incest, Femicide, Pornography & Prostitution. I admit that I found the course totally interesting, though at times somewhat disturbing. Oh, and please don't assume that this class was made up of a bunch of men-hating women who just wanted to verbally bash them for the ills that they have caused in society. Yes, I must admit that there are men who have commited atrocious acts against other men, women and children...but women have also commited unbelieveable crimes. Our class was made up of both men and women who were interested in the content, and had a strong desire to do something about the gender violence perpetuated in our society. Even though I felt that I had a pretty good foundation in most of these topics via educating myself through books or personal experience; mine and other peoples, I was still able to walk away with a wealth of information that will has only caused me to want to be proactive in my community about violence.

The header for this post, Stop The Violence sums it up. We must Stop the Violence perpetrated against men, women and children in our communities because it will not just end on its own accord. Those victims of such crimes will grow up and continue to live under the cloud of that title - VICTIM - and this title will effect everything they do, and everyone they meet, and those they choose to devote themselves to. While the perpetrators of violence will go on hurting, killing and victimizing. Instead of allowing this cycle of violence and victimization to continue we must do something. Each and every single person has an opportunity, sometimes on a daily basis, to encourage or discourage violence. Lets be courageous enough to stand up and be counted! Take a stand against violence in your home, in your neighborhood, and in your city. Together we can make this world a kinder, and better place for our children to grow up in! Ok, so I don't have children - I still want our society to be a place that is safe for someone's children...

I have since decided to devote more time and posts** to combating violence, especially the area of Domestic Violence that is prevalent in the society we live in. I don't know if it is because of the patriarchal society we still live in; or the violence that is visible on television & the internet; or if it is learned behavior; do we blame religion or various cultures; or does it happen because of gender stereotyping. I guess I would say it is not just one thing, but all of these that help the cycle of violence to continue. We can make a change!

Look our for future articles that speak about domestic violence - from the men, women and children who have become the victims. But always from people like you and I because domestic violence never discriminates against race, age, sex, or socioeconomic status. It happens to people just like you, and people just like me.

- keep the Faith -

* This banner was displayed at a march against gun violence at Wilson Senior High School.

** Before you get too alarmed that I gotten all serious I must remind you that I will still continue to write posts about senseless crap, stupid jokes and total trivia. So relax!