For several weeks, I’ve been following the man versus bear conversations on social media.
Most of the dialogue contains intelligent, valid consideration.
However, some of it seems to create an automatic male bashing knee-jerk reaction.
I’ve had my share of encountering arrogant, self-serving men. However, and I don’t take this for granted—I’ve been fortunate never to be with a man whose behavior makes me feel safer to be with a bear.
But I’m not here to gloat or judge. Perhaps the bashers, having experienced trauma at the hands of men, can only express themselves with disgust toward every male.
As a proud mother of three grown sons who embody respect, kindness, observation, and protection towards not just women but all of humanity, it deeply troubles me to witness the apathetic acceptance. The lack of determination to change.
Just saying you feel safer with a wild bear changes nothing.
We must be vigilant in teaching males of all ages appropriate behavior. Instead of ONLY addressing what is, let’s direct that angry energy toward educating men (and women) about being safer than a wild bear. Begin at home, and in schools and at workplaces.
Obviously, unless we become hermits living in the forest, we will be in the presence of men.
Not all of them are wretched creatures. Proof that somehow, somewhere along the way, they acquired the knowledge of how to behave appropriately.
And, apart from mental health issues, we have the ability to teach all males (and females) right from wrong.
Let’s instill in humans appropriate ways to interact with each other. Let’s use the brains and intellect we have to be better than a wildlife creature.
With enough collective effort, we can accomplish change if we choose to do so.
Living life one word at a time! 