To be a Man

Since the time change, it has been getting dark really early. Tonight while running, I forgot my phone at home, and I was a little bit paranoid about every car that passed. It's not that I live in a bad neighborhood either. Society has told me to be scared. Statistics have told me to be fearful. This is called sexual terrorism, and I am not a fan of it. "Don't dress a certain way." It's not about what the victim does. It's about the attacker. How about changing that to "Have respect for all humans regardless of gender."
I find it even more interesting that I saw this news story when I got home: http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/A-Second-Chance-178986841.html?c=n&fb=y&can=n

 The title refers the subject of the matter to be about stem cells for the girl attacked. I understand it's to raise money for her treatment, but the bigger issue here is the misogyny that put this girl in this condition. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I read, "she was found unconscious with a hair dryer cord around her neck." I'm not one to cry over others, but this really got to me. How could one human do such a thing to another? The answer is hate. But why and how we can change it? Boys need to be taught that abuse of any kind, whether it be physical, psychological, or financial, is not what it takes to be a man. This "tough" and violent behavior is perpetuated by so much in our society, and this story is just one of the many results.

What does it take to be a man? I think to be a man, one must realize that violence against women is a men's issue. Break the barrier. Stop concentrating on the victim. Let's question the abuser.