News and Reactions - some aspects of "Life" should change !

It probably hasn't escaped your notice. Currently, there is a much active debate about women's safety and how society treats women in our day to day world affairs. Work issues, home issues, leisure issues - the subjects grow on a daily basis. It is a sad reality that women are vulnerable, mostly because there are issues concerning the activity and behaviour of men towards women. The UK is trying to address this in a rapid response. The law is under scrutiny. rules of behaviour are being "re-written.

While I welcome fair and regular appraisal, I have to confess a pessimism concerning the process by which we are to " re-address" the issues in question. There are some deep underlaying issues which stem from history. There is also an element of distrust which may never be allowed to change. I am also slightly amused that the criticism laid at the Met Commissioner's feet is being stirred by one who herself has been accused of bullying, over righteous management and disrespect of her own department in government. To be honest , we all have moments of reaction we regret. It is possible that some men do not have the capacity to understand that words can hurt, let alone the horrific actions that some subject women too. We find, all too often, that leaders, role models and those in positions of authority fall foul of  our expectations and those expectations of their office. In short, I suppose, the problems are deeply embedded, affording a possibility of offence, attack or diminishing respect for women.

Maybe I expect too much of the human race. My parents taught me that I am responsible for my own behaviour. If I cause hurt, or behave outside the law, there are consequences that I should expect that will "punish me". Further, I was brought up to be polite, to listen and to be tolerant. I should uphold the "laws of society". So who knows what these expectations are and are they taught effectively?

I am somewhat bemused that some offenders are given "community service" orders. Pardon me for asking .... are we not all involved in community service? Why is the punishment given a title that indicates an empathetic attitude?  Perhaps " behavioural correction" is a better title?

If you wish to re-establish a situation that has been damaged or introduce behaviour traits that will instil a more respectful attitude towards our fellow beings, surely it will need a longer programme that it takes to get motions passed in parliament? Life skills are just that - they need life long exercise.

Martin Luther had a dream. Many famous women had courage to fight for equality. Scientists have worked overtime to find a cure for serious threats of disease. We have such positive instances to celebrate the struggle for altruism and repair of what humans have damaged. The "badges" of hope.

I wonder should we not now, as one, face the issues that "destroy' our respect for one another? Should we  act in a way that does NOT tolerate disrespect and redirect the fault with strategies to reshape our attitudes.? Is there any hope if we do not act?

I also wonder if the time has come for a resurgence of CARE for our neighbour? You may be like me. You keep trying to do good, despite the uphill struggle?

The answers and debate is far from over.

I suggest that we members here are better placed than many, feeling the need and the desire for respect, to educate in some way. I do not propose I know what the methods might be. However I do wonder how we might respond if we were "attacked" by theses sub-human creatures? I also think we need to work together to attain it. The desired outcome will benefit all. I welcome your responses.

Anya Carpathia ( October 2021)