Are you Willing?

When we grow up we're structured to behave and act as to what is "normal" by perception of society! Who though, really is to decide what normal is? As we become older we try to fit in here or there because it's what everyone else is doing. Even if you considered yourself a leader, you still acted accordingly to how another person was.(whether you realized it or not) So, in a sense you're being controlled by society or peers- even though you make your own decisions. As a kid you're not mature enough to make always the most logical decisions- so you make them based on what you've been taught whether it be from parents, peers, or media. In a society where violence is prevelant in media and/or at school and very likely at home as well, you become desensitized to it. Social norms contribute vastly to the way we're raised. In a sense we're unconsciously controlled by it or in turn abused. When we go against norms; we're criticized because it's not what society wants us to be. I heard a country song just this past weekend where the artist recited " I don't dye my hair and I don't tan, because baby I'm still a Man" Well I dye my hair, and I tan - so whats that make me? A woman? See- society views tanning and dying hair as feminine. Although I watch football, drink beer, and still do guy things - because of social norms, people ( like the artist) would portray me as less of a man! As well as for all the men that stand up for violence against women. Because we show compassion for women we're looked at as weak, feminine, or gay. All this is due to what society see's as "normal". Why does everyone want to be like everyone else? "In order to be irreplacebale one must always be different" - So why can't all men stand up for violence against women, knowing that they all have women in their lives they care about. My perception is- the weak ones are the ones who are silent, because it's us who speak out that are under the most scrutiny from other men (and women). So to ALL Men I ask this- Are you willing to Step Up and be different?

Jeremy

Violence Made Acceptable, if by a man, says this Columnist

If you're a sports fanatic and/or devoted to a certain team then you know the level of emotions that come a long with being a fan. You put your heart & soul in to three or so hours of happiness, joy, dissapointment, yelling, cheering, etc. For men, there's an additive of adrenaline you feel running through your veins as someone makes an amazing catch, or in reverse if a player missed a tackle, or the quaterback throws an interception. I can't speak for women, on this aspect of it. I know though, because as they say "I bleed blue & silver." I've been a HUGE Cowboys fan since before I was old enough to even understand the game. When is enough, enough though? I recently read an article that two Eagles fans attacked and assaulted a Woman wearing a Tony Romo shirt. (http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Eagles-Fans-Assault-Woman-in-Tony-Romo-Jersey-81256642.html ) Sadly, it didn't suprise me one bit after seeing how they repeatedly threw snow balls at Santa Clause (of all people) in a game previously in the year, and just knowing the reputation of these fans! What did suprise me though, is what was said in the aritcle! (written by a man)

"Physically assaulting another man for rooting for a different sports team is one thing, but a true gentleman never hits a lady"

Realistically, he's portraying the mind-set of the majority of men in society. Why is it though society see's it acceptable for a man to hit another man? A true Gentlemen wouldn't hit ANYONE!! Hence, "Gentle"! Saying that it's ok to hit another man is equivalent to saying that violence is acceptable! There's statements in the article taken from the woman assaulted, and it seems her attackers mistook her for a man, because her hair was tucked into her shirt. This in NO way justifies the actions of these two men! She closes her statement saying:

"When they saw my face, you could see the look on their faces change," she said.

The man who wrote the article begins the conclusion with this:

"What a heartwarming twist at the end"

Are you serious??? A woman was attacked by two men, but once they realized it was a woman they ran away and "looked shocked". How in the hell is that heartwarming?? Can someone please explain that to me? These two men mistakenly assaulted a woman wearing a Tony Romo SHIRT and when they realized it was a woman they were shocked and ran. To the writter, that makes this behavior acceptable? This is really disheartening! Not that it's coming from a man, but because it's being put into a news paper and displayed to tons & tons of other people to reinforce this idea of violence is tolerated as long as it's a man assaulting another man. Not to mention, this writter has not a bit of empathy for this woman who was attacked!!! Heartwarming? are you kidding me? ...pathetic ... ok i'm done!