Not All #MenAreTrash

I was definitely bothered by the #MenAreTrash movement that trended on social media last week simply because the jarring, bold and definitive statement places all men under one umbrella.

Something which is not the truth, not right or fair to say and something which negates all the efforts of the good men out there.

What bothers me most is that scores of people can perpetuate this damaging belief without blinking an eye. It’s so sad that many, many women out there see men in this negative, fearful, angry and hateful light.

Not many good men bothered to speak up, believing that the statement did not apply to them because they were never that sort of man but I believe it is important to speak out on such a generalised judgement.

It is beyond unfortunate that we have men in society who are responsible for these kinds of abusive notions and actions. I always speak out against women and child abuse, rape and any kind of gender-based violence but at the same time, I am an advocate for all of human kind. Any crime against a fellow human being is wrong.

The unfortunate reality is that men are the extreme majority of perpetrators of these acts, which have seen the lives of many women, young girls and boys and humanity at large changed dramatically and irrevocably.

And while I understand that #MenAreTrash is the way some women perceive the male species and the trend was probably started by those who’ve experienced the unforgivable at the hands of bad men, I am hopeful that this will serve as a turning point for society.

I would like to applaud those gentlemen who continue to be respectful and appreciative of women in general.

Those who know how to treat a woman – with love, care, appreciation and respect. I applaud those men who are true ambassadors for the gentlemen out there, who treat everyone with humility and dignity and strive to be a source of hope in the lives of those who cross their path.

To those men who take responsibility and raise their children with love and a solid, safe presence, and those who do whatever they can in all honesty to provide and care for their families.

Also to those men who care for their neighbours and don’t discriminate and judge others but choose to build up instead of break down. Those men who are humble leaders, exemplary in their words and deeds. The kind of men society needs more of, let #MenAreTrash inspire you to be even better.

The Gentleman’s Corner feels deeply for those harmed at the hands of men.

And while I am cognisant of the fact that we cannot change what you have gone through, allow me to apologise with heartfelt empathy to those women and children who have suffered at the hands of a man.

It is unfortunate that we have reached a point where men are being labelled as trash, when there are still many good men out there.

You do yourself and society an injustice by placing everyone under the same banner.

Namibia has some great men who care and appreciate the gift of women and children, and mankind at large.

It would be the coward’s way out to hit back and lash out at the behaviour of some women and point out the instances when they have conducted themselves dishonourably but that does not negate the faults of men.

To whoever started #MenAreTrash, I truly hope that someday soon you will meet a man, any man – be it a father, grandfather, lover, brother, son or friend who will cause a 180 degree change of mindset. Someone who will prove to you that not all men are the same and that there are definitely still good men out there.

Til next time, cheers!

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