Jack Levine – 4Generations Institute
Like many men, I'm horrified by the sexual harassment revelations now spreading through so many sectors - politics, entertainment, media, military, education, athletics and diverse workplaces from the corner store to corporate towers.
While I realize that harassment is not gender-specific in all cases, and women in power have been accused as well, it is an overwhelming reality that men are the perpetrators of these vile offenses.
My fellow males have to face the fact that our society has a "guy in power" problem that demands attention and action...at home and throughout our communities.
We need to fight against all forms of discrimination and subjugation whether it be gender, racial, ethnic, religious or sexual orientation....and we must resolve to provide a better example for our children and grandchildren.
Human trafficking, teen prostitution, cyber and live bullying, and all forms of predatory behavior which subjects both girls and boys to heinous actions which victimize the powerless and hurts them physically and psychologically needs to be revealed and eradicated.
Men who subject women and girls to disparaging comments about their appearance or find it appropriate to make crude remarks about their bodies create fear and a sense of vulnerability.
I'm revolted by coaches who insult a boy by calling him a girl...a form of gross gender abuse.
The decades-long actions by Dr. Larry Nassar, national team doctor for USA Gymnastics and osteopathic physician at Michigan State University, is the latest example of the perversion of power.
Dr. Nassar was recently convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse of minors. His prison sentence of 40-175 years followed a marathon hearing in which more than 150 women who, as girls as young as 11, testified that Dr. Nassar repeatedly abused them during so-called medical exams and training treatments when they were enrolled in Olympic-level gymnastics programs.
The ruling comes on top of a 60-year federal sentence that Nassar also faces for child pornography crimes to which he pleaded guilty.
While we may consider this disgusting case an example of justice served, please think of the many millions of children, teens and adults who have suffered in silence for fear of violent retribution if they told the story of their agony.
It's always easy to close our eyes and turn a deaf ear to words and actions which demean others. But playing a direct role in confronting unfairness and rejecting hateful behavior is an obligation of human decency. Promoting justice for the oppressed is a tenet of all advanced cultures.
Thankfully, bold efforts are being launched to confront these offenses and the complacency which breeds injustice.
The MeToo and Time’s Up movements, as well as a wide spectrum of international, domestic and community-based efforts, are sparking momentum in policy reform as well as empowerment of victims and their loved ones to take a stand for change and hold offenders accountable for their inexcusable behavior.
The Silence Breakers featured as Time Magazine's Persons of the Year is one inspiring example of how the courage to step forward is essential for bringing needed progress.
The power of voting for candidates who advocate social justice principles and policies...and who exhibit civil behavior towards all members of our community...is a vital strategy for paving a positive path forward.
Now that I'm a grandfather, I feel more deeply about matters which affect the future.
The gratitude my family feels for the health and safety of our sweet little girl sparks a need to protect others whose names we don't know in places we never go.
That transference of tender concern is one way we can honor our elders and pave a positive path for generations to come.
The Chinese credo "We plant trees even though we likely will not enjoy their fruits nor be comforted by their shade" is so relevant to any discussion of legacy. I trust you agree.
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