I recently attended a "Green" conference, sponsored by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) at Mercer County Community College. One of the topics touched on at this "green" conference, surprisingly, was domestic violence. The discussion centered around placing victims of domestic violence into "Green-sustainable" jobs to provide them with economic independence, thus making them less dependent on their abusive partners. I had never thought about "green" living contributing to ending domestic violence, but it makes sense. Green living is healthy. Living a life free from domestic violence is healthy as well.
I feel that it is my duty as a man to speak to those among my brothers who would abuse women. I want to take this opportunity to appeal to all men who have been abusive to women:
Think about what you are doing. Think about the example you are setting for the generation of young men who would emulate you. By your actions, you are telling these young men that it is all right to abuse the women and girls in their lives. The vicious cyle must end, and it must end with you.
Women are our mothers, our daughters, aunts, and nieces; they carry us and nurture us. They are at the core and center of our being, the givers and sustainers of our lives. They deserve to be loved, honored, and respected.
Regards, Adrian
"brothers" Does this word apply only to African Americans and other people of color? Not the best choice of words.
ReplyDeleteTo the above commenter,
ReplyDeleteYou assume facts not in evidence. My use of the word "brother" here is all-inclusive, without regard to race or ethnicity. Those who know me know that I do not engage in racial dramatics and that like one of my heroes, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the appellation of "brother" is meant for all men, as in the song, "All Men Are Brothers."
Regards, Adrian