Going my own way

  The idea of finding common ground feels daunting. Many individuals are reluctant to engage with those whose beliefs or affiliations they find abhorrent like those who are like white supremacists, individuals affiliated with hate groups, or staunch supporters of divisive political figures. This wariness is understandable; no one wants to align themselves with ideologies that promote harm or hatred. Those who identify with harmful ideologies often create an atmosphere of hostility that makes it difficult for there to be any communication. This fear is compounded by the reality that some individuals, whether due to mental illness or societal conditioning, struggle to form connections. Some men avoid forming deep bonds with other men out of fear of being perceived as weak or gay, while individuals suffering from mental health issues may find it challenging to connect with others altogether. Race and gender play a crucial role in shaping our interactions. While many advocate for r...

 

    Chapter 4   Rape   Why does this concern me and why should it matter to me? Because it exists, it happens to men as it does to women. Everywhere you look; billboards talk about female victims of DV, human trafficking, SA, and rape. Pushing the narrative that men are abusers, rapists and pedophiles. A small minority of men commit those crimes and a small number of women do too. It’s a human issue and yet society treats it like it only happens to women, never men. It’s not a wonder why men don’t report their abuse, their rape to anybody. Crime documentaries talk about female rape victims almost always but never mention a single male victim of rape. Law and order and CSI touch on that sometimes, but no one seems to be too concerned. Male victims of DV, SA, and rape happened a lot more often than people realize, but crime shows never want to touch on that subject. It is because they want to keep pushing the narrative: “Men bad, women good.” Movies and...