Not long ago I interviewed Cynthia Basinet. In that interview the topic of humanitarian aide came up. In particular were comments about the needs of Africa. Shortly after that I posted about an event that was targeting aid to women around the world and in Africa that have been victims of violence and rape.
And few paid attention, sadly.
But just days ago Chris Brown was arrested in connection to charges about violence against Rihanna. And the internet is abuzz. And I have to wonder.
Is it only when a celebrity endures a hardship that we care as a nation. Are we so cold-hearted as to ignore the suffering of millions of women simply because we don’t know their name or country. Has the media so blinded the masses that unless something happens to someone famous we don’t think it happens at all?
I despise the thought of what Chris Brown has been accused of doing. There is no justification, and I believe punishment is in order if the facts are as have been blasted across the media. Yet there is a bigger issue.
The odds are that 1 in 3 women, across the globe, will be the victim of a rape or violence. That means out of you mother, wife/girlfriend, sister, daughter 1 will definitely be a victim and more than a chance of another as well. That’s not something that I would wish upon even my enemy.
This is not just an issue of what celebrities do. It’s not just something that happens in movies, or to “those people” whoever you wish to define it. It’s happening in every part of the globe, every day. And the chance of you knowing a woman that this has happened to is better than you remembering what will be on TV tonight.
We should never let this pass without thought. We should never allow this to be a secret. This needs to be addressed and confronted.
No man ever needs to place a hand against a woman. It’s just not needed. There is no justification unless you are in a pool of your own blood. It is the act of a coward and a small child to lash out in such a manner. It is the action of a weak and pitiful boy, never a man regardless of age.
I am glad that Cynthia Basinet brought up the issue of violence against women in Africa. I am happy to heard of women like Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, Camryn Manheim, Anne Archer and Sherry Lansing among many others are making this a reality to the millions of Americans that have turned a blind eye and deaf ear.
I hope that before I die I never need to read about the atrocities that Dr. Denis Mukwege tries to heal each day. Because they don’t happen any more. I hope that before I die I never have to fear for my sisters, mother, and every woman I have ever known.
But that means that you have to act, and not forget this post or the articles in the news. Because tomorrow it could be a woman you love.
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