For men out there who are humble and brave enough to show women that they're "not all that way" and not all out to hurt/marginalize/laugh at/look down on/control/exploit/sexualize them, rather than just get defensive and say it's "not them" and/or "not their job." For those willing to fight for equality, because they know, it's not just for women, not just feminism, it's for the health and betterment of our world.
Those who are insightful, and humble enough to realize it's their pride that keeps them from treating not just women, but all others the way they should; and instead perpetuating (by action/inaction) the very mistreatment they'd rather not own.
By admitting to himself- that by living in this world, speaking today's language, consuming this culture, and expressing masculinity; he (as we all do) has a hand in the systematic, institutionalized oppression and disenfranchisement of women. Even if for no other reason than by association, he also has a hand in the pot.
And once admitting/acknowledging this, being able to take it a step further, to "man up," to borrow the cultural slang, and choose to act, speak out, change and teach, another way. To teach other men, boys, persons of all genders, the duality of our existence. The ways we are all feminine, all masculine, and that neither side of leaning, has to equate with being strong. That we all can be strong, regardless of gender or ways we express that- we can all expect differently and manifest a different way of life than what has been created, supported, promoted and forced on us for generations.
For men with an inherent understanding that so, many, women out there have been hurt, controlled, damaged, used, raped, and lived in fear because of this - only to have this same oppression and disempowerment perpetuated (and even rewarded/promoted) in the culture we're all exposed to every day. For men willing to examine themselves, the way they treat women (and others) and start by changing himself. We've all got our hands in the pot, and none of us are coming out with our hands clean.
Most of all, for those men who are brave enough to know how scary it can be to stand up for change, and to live in a way that sets them apart from other men, and at times, their own culture and protected bubble, and exposes them to ridicule or exclusion, and do it anyway. Those who know that one little spark can ignite a bonfire of change in the way all of us live, think, speak, the example we set and the ways we treat each other. Thank you, to each and every man out there, you all inspire me to be a better woman, and a better person.
Today's inspiration, thank you Terry Crews.
(Please excuse and any missed grammar or spelling issues, the absence of spellchecker on this app reminds me how much I've come to depend on it!)
