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