Every so often, a hot topic in the media comes out that lights a fire within me that is so fierce, I could warm a small apartment by myself.
If you’re suffering from cold apartment temperatures, then allow me to come over and then proceed to ask me about Ray Rice beating his fiancé in an elevator and I’ll have you warm in no time.
It’s not just Ray Rice. It’s not just the utterly embarrassing patchwork job the NFL has been doing to try to rectify their inconsistent behavior in dealing with the issue. It’s the fact that these stories even exist in the first place.
Earlier today, I had the TV playing in the background. Half listening, I suddenly found myself tuned in when I heard the words, “Husband spanked his wife repeatedly with a wooden spoon when she refused to call him ‘sir’”.
What. The. Fuck.
I realize we don’t live in a perfect world. I realize that people make mistakes. I realize that many people who make the choices they do to beat, verbally abuse and/or sexually mistreat others are dealing with some pretty disturbing issues themselves. I realize these people need as much help as the victims they hurt.
I realize that in the end, forgiveness is necessary to move forward.
But what I also realize is that these stories- these absolutely repulsively sick issues out there, are also teachable moments.
If you have a son or a daughter or a sister or a brother or a niece or a nephew or some sort of little person in your life, I hope you take it upon yourself to use stories like these as examples.
Examples of what is ok and what is not. Of what it means to treat others with respect. Of what it means to not tolerate anyone who may be mistreating you in any way, shape or form.
I’m tired of the stories of bullying. I’m tired of hearing about people being beat. I’m tired of hearing about kids being inappropriately touched, and women (and men) being taken advantage of. I’m tired of hearing that strong, confident people are brought down to feeling like nothing.
I do believe, deep down, that in the end, there’s a lot of good in the world. A lot more good than we are usually exposed to in the media, and I also believe we should take it upon ourselves to find that good our daily lives.
With that said, I also believe it’s our responsibility to teach the ones we have influence over the importance of what’s right and what’s wrong. Of how to handle feelings and emotions appropriately and of how to handle oneself when someone might be taking advantage of them.
I am. I will. I hope you do and will, too.
