James Brown may have sang that "Its a Mans World", but at least he had the good grace to say that it would be nothing without a Woman or a Girl.
However
James may have struggled though when it came to defining why he felt it would be nothing without them and what he felt that they bring---- you have to remember that whatever he personally felt , he worked for an industry that was so Male dominated and filled with chauvinistic behaviour.
In the picture below from the 1950's, typifies the Male dominated view and their control in the media as to what was presented to the world , either through film, advertisement , magazines thought a womans place was.
There is little change that has taken place in the history of the planet , certainly in the last 2000 years . The Egyptians had women who were allowed to own property , take legal positions and gain respect -- enough to even have a pharaoh in Cleopatra but the Romans changed all of that.
Suddenly they cant vote, hold office, or have any major roles in Roman life.
A the poor copy above shows , MEN in the Chinese world even went in to print about the expectations they had for their women above, and within the 1.5 Billion in their country today I wonder if in the majority of the people it isn't still a similar position of expectations.
Ok, so having set the scene and giving my Statement that it is a Mans World some support from statements from history, the following is very much more specific in examples to bring some thought to the subject of Abuse -- in many ways -- of power.
A man's world indeed - we see so many examples of this type of ABUSE with the help of Facebook or similar media tools -- shameful and far too many examples like this all over the world.
Just in case there was any doubt, we have this wonderful organisation called the "UNITED NATIONS" who are there to protect the people of the world's Human Rights-- so it is surprising that they cannot even control those persons who, in their name, are entrusted to protect desperate people in the on the ground situations.
The standards below were produced and promoted by the UN because some of their staff on the ground could not stop themselves from a series of sexual harassment charges including rape in some African countries that they were there to protect those they abused.
Why should we then wonder when Unacceptable Behaviour is demonstrated in a variety of ways , in all walks of life , all around us, when those sent to protect vulnerable people cannot be controlled , even though there is a code of standard in place that the protectors sign up to adhere to. By The Way --countries pay significant monies annually for the privilege of having a UN who will protect vulnerable peoples basic Human Rights.
How can it be that we need to write down rules like these below from the Canadian Armed Forces as an example of how people should behave, -- what is it that makes it so hard for people to understand what acceptable behaviour looks like.
In recent weeks we have seen the sacking of Mark Sampson as manager of the England Womens Football Team, following it proven that he did use Racist/Sexist behaviour to some of the players in Bristol Ladies team and in England. This, even though the FA have clear codes of conduct which all managers in the game of football are expected to adhere to. Why is it that in 2017, we still cant shed the issues of the colour of peoples skin, without having to make comments that are tally inappropriate in any walk of life, never mind one that is so prominently in the public eye.
So who are the losers in a case like this -- not the FA executive that's for sure -- even though they appeared before the Parliamentary committee they are all still all in their Jobs even though the committee found them to be inherently racsist--- And the only losers it appears are the Ladies -- Eni Aluko and Drew Spence for standing up against Inappropriate Behaviour as they are now ostracized from the England team -- with Eni having over 100 caps for England and a top goal scorer, and those ladies in the current team clearly (In the Russia match ) wanted to show their solidarity to Mark Sampson even though he had been found guilty, rather than their long term team members, who had been exonerated.
To some people this may not seem that important , but it is so wrong and a total Abuse of Power by people in a position of power and trust with rules that were there to be adhered -- oh, and unless you are in any doubt -- it is both Inappropriate Behaviour and another example where a MAN in a MAN's world Abuses his Position.
Then you look at the behaviour of The Clergy -- from all religious orders with regard to Unacceptable Behaviour, of people who are there to be looked up to , to be pillars in the local communities, to be there to help those people that trust them, who are in need, who actually , in many cases, Abuse their positon and abuse their parishioners -- when there are quite clearly Standards in place that these people are supposed to Adhere to. They are also supposed to be there , representing their God, Mohamed, Buddha, etc and I am not sure that the continuous Abuse was part of the brief when they joined their respective orders.
There are far too many examples of abuse carried by people who are supposed to be spiritual leaders and leaders within communities who abuse their POWER, for their own gratification.
How about Laurence Soper, Head teacher of St.Benedicts Catholic private school in Ealing, west London and an Abbott at Ealing Abbey, who has finally been found guilty of the crimes against young boys that he committed over decades and was called a sadistic predator, who was -- it turned out -- only one of a number of abusers at this school , with the Roman Catholic church paying off people to keep the stories buried.
He was hidden in an apartment in the Vatican City for a year.
Why have the standards as written below if no-one is held to account by the institutions that set them
Hot off the press is that Soper was sentenced to 18 years prison this week. Halleluiah.
Yet there are so many examples of cases of abuse and the cover ups that occur-- see Wikipedia information on Lawrence Murphy, a priest in Milwaukee, who for over 10 years up till 1974, sexually abused over 200 boys at the St Johns School for the Deaf. He was then hidden away by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and all of this was covered up until the mid to late 80's when the abused boys were grown up and wanted some justice. Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) when a Cardinal and Head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, clearly instructed cover ups and again when major Paedophilia cases were uncovered in Italy in the Roman Catholic church priests with children.
I am not saying it is only the Roman Catholic church that has these problems -- far from it , it is all religions but it is far more prolific within the RC Church and again -- it is men doing the abusing. ( Ok , there is the exception of some pretty vicious Nuns in some schools who it appears enjoyed regularly beating children and happy to do so -- and if anyone saw the film The Magdalene Sisters, -- which was all true, then you see the other face of religion ).
So more rules and standards which people appear to ignore -- and the majority of these cases are carried out by MEN.
If it comes to that -- most of the rules and standards in life, Government , and laws and religious testaments and anything written that tells of expected ways to behave , have overall , been written by MEN.
The list of categories that companies , authorities , institutions and all organisations are expected to have standards of behaviour are set as these below
My question is -- WHY do we have to have these written anywhere -- why do we have to regulate anything when we all know right from wrong -- doing right , that should actually be the NORM.
I would pretty much defy anyone to find company's that do not have a set of standards that staff should adhere to for Acceptable Behaviour and somewhere in there , there should be a set of checks and balances and a place for someone to go to, to report inappropriate behaviour, but it continues to surprise me how many times I hear or read about this not being obvious.
I would also challenge the majority of companies and organisations to prove to me that those who are identified as being the "Go to " persons, have the appropriate training as to how to deal with what are likely to be very sensitive situations. After all, can you imagine if a PA came to this individual and accused the C.E.O. of inappropriate sexual behaviour -- would anyone know how to deal with that.
So to be clear, the guidelines are there for everyone , wherever you are , whatever your environment, whatever your life is these are areas where people need to understand what is or is not acceptable.
It ain't rocket science -- people just need to be respectful and treat people in the appropriate way -- and MEN in particular need to look at themselves and the way they treat others , treat women , men , Colleagues and children.
The problems come from the fact that unless it is news worthy , most amazing revelations only come about if they sell media products -- cynical you say -- well , it took the next story to shake a few establishments up, but does it stay important for long.
First it's Weinstein , then its Spacey, then it's Westminster Politician's, and all on the back of Trump's (unproven) alleged Inappropriate Behaviours and there is in my mind a misunderstanding that it is only those in the public eye, that get involved with such inappropriate behaviour, well it's not -- It is in all walks of life , both personal and in all areas of business, religion, sport, education/schools, armed services, emergency services, and generally in the variant countries ways of life -- where people are abused daily both sexually, physically and verbally/mentally. Mostly by MEN.
Oh, and a big thank you to Rose McGowen & Ashley Judd for coming forward in the USA-- many more prefer not to but this at least started to help to unearth people willing to abuse their power -- lets hope that others will come forward.
The majority of situations where there is abuse is down to MEN -- fact and generally MEN in POWER. You also don't need to be a corporate billionaire, or local company M.D., to abuse power, as I am sure people effected from inappropriate behaviour from Foremen, HR managers, union representatives, or Administrators as well as Fathers, brothers, uncles or family friends.
This has been going on for Centuries, for Millenniums.
Ok , so I wonder why it is and why there appears no fix to any of it and I am thinking that in todays media world of immediate news stories, Humans are also guilty of forgetting todays headlines tomorrow and move on to the next big story, with no need to see the conclusion of yesterdays headline stories - people need the next fix , not how it finished. I for one am not sure how a reality tv person winning Jungle Celebrity show can cover the front pages of the newspapers-- all of them , when there are some pretty challenging things going on in the world that will have a far greater impact on peoples everyday lives.
But Reality rules todays society -- far more important than Brexit or Damian Greene's issues with computer porn in the Commons. ( Post writing the early parts of this , Mr Greene has left his position by request of the PM.)
I have been wanting to write something myself about what I consider has been a scandalous acceptance for Millenniums of abuse mostly against women & children but men as well and while there will always be examples of women abusing people, in the main it has been the Male part of the human species doing the abusing. The majority of all abuses -- whether Sexual or in the general treatment of family or employees - are from Men in Power.
As i said before that doesn't have to be the Billionaire, Corporate Owner -- it can be the Sargent Major, the Maths Teacher, the Social Worker, The Priest -- ( does anyone wonder like me why there are no Priestesses or is due to it sounding too much like Ancient Ceremony's with their High Priestesses) -- the Dentist , The Foreman or Woman --- and on and on and on and including abuse within the family , usually by someone who is stronger within that group.
The guys below-- yes , they are all men -- are a great example of people who have misused both their power and in some cases , their popularity, especially when fan's of the actors look up to them and in some cases think that the person may be promising to help them in their careers, although in some cases it would seem that was also turned around on budding actors and actresses, who would be threatened that their careers would end if they did not let the person do what they wanted to them. That is abuse-- plain and simple.
Why are we surprised . This is as much as anything , an abuse of power and in the world where all this bunch live they have huge amounts of it and think they are Teflon and asbestos coated.
The image below is very out of date as I believe that the figures are around 100 accusers for Weinstein -- yet to be prosecuted -- and multiple accusers of the scary Tangoed guy next to him, and yet he was allowed to become -- potentially -- the most powerful man in the world while being accused by many women of sexual abuse. Will there ever be an impeachment - I think it unlikely, certainly in the foreseeable future -- how do they not get treated the same as the people who elect them. POWER that's how.
Has anyone been arrested, is anyone in jail because of any of it --- not that I am aware.
Is this still headline news -- was it on Andrew Marr show last week or this week -- not a chance -- it's last weeks news and not even good enough to put the fish & chips on.
These 2 below are great examples from the UK, of how you can have a National Treasure but not see what is in plain sight-- or maybe in the case of the famous and the politicians -- not want to see. They both come from a culture where things were known about but people turned a blind eye to.
If you read the piece from Duncan Campbell in The Guardian, -- ( go online and google it ) -- you can read as to how the Police who had evidence of Cyril Smith's paedophilia, were threatened with prosecution under the official secrets act if they did not stop investigations and hand over all of their evidence -- one assumes to the secret service, ordered by Government ministers , then you start to understand the abuse of Power that goes on , instructed by people we put in that power and most of it by MEN protecting MEN.
Also -- if you want an example as to how it is that something so serious and disgusting as a Paedophilia Ring, consisting of MP's, Lawyers and any number of senior & powerful people were known to have some involvement in 2015, with a place called Dolphin Square -- a posh block of apartments where as the story goes -- children -- girls and boys were taken to be abused by these rich and powerful people, organised by one suspects some pretty shady people.
Where is the conclusion to what started as an investigation in 2015-- I don't recall a conclusion-- so was this another cover up by government ministers -- and why does the media not come back again and again to remind the Ministers and us so we get these things stopped and people brought to justice.( Too damned focused on the latest Celebrity indiscretion on their TV reality show or the demise of the Reality star of the day).
With the recent allegations that have hit Westminster, about various abuses, this below shows the inconsistency that there is around today-----
How you can have people in Government -- in Power -- who actually know that there are a multitude of individuals that have -- maybe not yet proven -- the shadows of Inappropriate Behaviour -- any kind of misuse of that Power -- on a list , that is available to be put into the Public domain then I am afraid my respect for the Politicians drops to an all time low -- and this is across the whole political spectrum -- to have this information and yet look like you did nothing to either stop, investigate , dismiss , prosecute until the media raise the issues to the front pages , is unforgivable and all the parties should hang their heads in shame. That surely is the ultimate abuse of Power.
With this list published in the media, have all those on it been punished -- are they all sacked or resigned -- anyone prosecuted -- I think we all know the answer to this.
There is a huge problem in life today in as much as it is the rich and powerful that own the media, The majority of which are MEN, who control what we see and what we read , and who can dictate what stories journalists go after. Added to the fact that because of the Information Technology and the variety of Media outlets we now have things like FAKE NEWS, which can get to millions of people within seconds and this can include either ruining someone and their career or , as in many cases protecting those who should be brought to book.
There is a part of me that believes that there is an Ultimate Shadowy Group of the most richest and most powerful MEN that actually run the world and not individual Governments - there was a documentary some 30 years ago about it. Please note that I stated that they are MEN.
Do not doubt that Cronyism is alive and kicking in the world of Films / Media markets / politics/ and generally in most big corporations and Governments around the world and an acceptance that those in positions to do so will help those caught being inappropriate with staff , members of the public or families.
What we currently see is definitely a tip of the iceberg.
But wait a minute -- Wasn't the naming of politicians and movie directors , all over the pages of our newspapers and all across our TV screens only 3 / 4 weeks ago --- so where are those stories now--- who is getting prosecuted or sued -- I have seen nothing and I think that this is what happens in todays world --- headlines for a week or maybe two and then move on. How can this be acceptable.
The thing that really irritates me is that there is no doubt that if there were such allegations for mere ordinary folk -- people not in the public eye, just going about their very ordinary lives, would be immediately arrested or at the very least interviewed with a view to prosecute -- and rightly so if allegations are true -- and with the likely repercussion of a custodial sentence. This would be within days or weeks at worst.
The chart below tries to break down the titles of Abuse and a description against all areas within the wheel -- please read and think a little about the rational. This is predominantly about domestic Abuse which is just another area with the mis-use of power and about Control.
How anyone in the world can think that this image below is acceptable is totally beyond me and I can think of nothing that would make me despise men ( and some women) from this abuse of power than that that this image portrays.
I do not understand how anyone could even contemplate hitting a partner or colleague -- this is the person you profess to Love , or is your friend or I guess a colleague--- actually even if it was a random complete stranger -- it isn't right.
And you know what , in some cases I am sure, ensures it's perpetuation , by the children of the family , who are brought up in that environment and see their family behaving this way.
When I look around today I do get saddened that there would appear to be a move away from the rules of acceptable behaviour that we were taught b y our families first and then in schools and as below shows, in todays world we have to have these written in a way that brings in a red, yellow card system into the schools -- shouldn't it just be taught by parents as to the right way to behave.
As I said it is not always MEN , sometimes there are violent WOMEN-- just the Majority.
Whoever the abuser is it is so unacceptable, and the mental agony that those being abused suffer can only eventually live with them for all their lives and because of association , will impact on others within their network in any number of ways , but none of them positive.
If we accept that all of the above is unacceptable , then I am afraid that until we arrive at a time where friendly colleague type touching becomes the norm , then the pictures below describe quite clearly , what is also unacceptable in the workplace , in a sporting arena, in institutions , or in anywhere where people of differing sexes.
This picture clearly demonstrates POWER and as in most cases it is MALE power, a reassuring squeeze that shows who is in control.
I have over the years had plenty of bosses/ colleagues putting an arm round my shoulder with a squeeze but at no time did I feel threatened and in no way do I believe that it was sexual.
Whereas I have no doubt that there are far too numerous times when a women , having this occur from a male colleague or Boss, would not only find it intimidating and scary in the most part, but also in time , I could see it leading to people taking further advantage, and to more intimate advances being made. On the flip side I suppose there will be some women who believe that it is normal and acceptable , because they know no difference.
These are Cultures that have taken Centuries in the development of POWER and for the many men in powerful positions, would see nothing wrong, and would find ways to justify this , not least of all , by blaming the female for "Misunderstanding " the situation.
When the woman applies for any kind of position , I am pretty sure that there wasn't anywhere that says she has to accept that people -- mostly men -- will be touching , brushing up against, whispering innuendo , receiving Texts , emails , instagrams, tweats and anything else that is personal and in most societies would consider unacceptable. It is more likely that they will be reassured that there are Codes of Conduct within the company / organisation/ institution that state what is expected and acceptable. So why do MEN think that it is right for them to completely forget the rules when it comes to how they behave.
One hope that I have is that there are not too many regrets from people where things happened at the works xmas party that people are now wishing hadn't, or where a man has taken advantage of a woman who had drunk too much---
With famous sports people and below is a picture of Robinio , the ex Man City , Real Madrid and AC Milan footballer , who along with 5 other men in 2013 have been found guilty of sexual assault on a 22 year old Albanian girl. How many times have we heard of the abuse of fame and power of sports people -- many in football and all MEN-- ( see Adam Johnstone) -- but it is not only football as I am sure that some swimmers , gymnasts and the like can testify to. I am sure that his wife is thrilled by his abuse of power and the ripple effect and impact by the choices he made are enormous and many innocents are going to be impacted.
Inspirational people should not only KNOW better but also DEMONSTRATE that they know what is right and wrong--
Men like these three below show how wide the chasm can be-- wide -- huge -- between the various types of Sexual Harassment and sexual Abuse -- and like my point which is the abuse of power by those in a position to be able to exploit that power.
I can remember back to the time that the accusations about Bill Clinton and one of his junior staffers , Monika Lewinski in 1995 and in his words, he argued around the interpretation as to whether he "is" in a sexual relationship with her. In the end he was Impeached and the judge found that he had committed perjury, and he was allowed to continue in his role of "Commander in Chief". (See Wikipedia for full story)
Do not forget when people get into a position , it tend snot to be enough and they always tend to go after more and greater power, as it states below------
To keep the balance right , we cannot ignore that there are always going to be examples of females abusing their positions and as in the picture below, can make advances that are both inappropriate and unsolicited. I am sure that there are more examples of Women abusing their power-- in business, in governments and institutions as well as at home but no matter how many are like the lady below-- and no matter how it is not acceptable --, it is still in the main , a male problem.
Also, just in case anyone was in any doubt, Verbal abuse can be so devastating that it can be like physical abuse to the receiver and may be even harder to both detect it or treat it.
This is Bullying -- really unacceptable behaviour -- and in all walks of life----not just children in a playground --- it is happening , albeit not evident, in all areas that people live and work and it can be crippling -- not physically -- mentally. Whatever gave the BULLY the right to believe that people have given them permission to do this.
I appreciate that this may appear to be going off down another path that is not relevant to how I started this blog but whether you like it or not these are all parts of the systemic culture , both Globally and more Parochially where we are all living in a time that , no matter how people profess to being equal , -- equality for women to men or for those in authority and those not--- that is still far from the truth of it.
This subject is a Monster and to stand any chance of getting people to behave appropriately, will only happen if it starts from the top, at anything, where there is an honesty, about things that have happened and about the way we will all go forward, and what will be acceptable in the future. I am not sure that I can so that occurring any time soon -- I mean , you have to see how businessMEN behave in their Clubs , Restaurants, Boardrooms, Bars and understand what has changed in the last 40 years----
The table is about the only thing that has changed -- the boardroom is still a MAN's domain---
Yes there are more women in Government , as Lawyers , as Doctors and in the Media but all are still controlled by MEN.
There are any number of committees in the world that are making decisions for women without a single women giving a female perspective or able to make demands. It cannot be right that where there will cleary be a different perspective from a woman on any number of key subjects that will effect them , they have either no voice or way in the Minority.
The boardroom is little different-- and few Women in the most senior positions.
What about Fashion -- women have been told by men for centuries what to wear -- what is the latest fashion statement -- and while there are more women designers around , it will still be the Alexander McQueens , the Michael Kors of this world who will be the ones that are in the foreground.
This is something we can only hope that Women can find a way to push through.
Ok , so after all I have said so far , I would expect people to be thinking that I am ready to slit my wrists, because MAN has dominated women and Children for what seems like forever-- I mean if you believe in the Bible -- it wasn't Maria who went up the mountain to speak to God but Moses and so it was MAN giving the tablets with the rules on to the rest of the planet and of course -- again if you believe in Christianity then it was a male God who wrote them.
As I said before -- every important document with rules , laws and anything that states how the public anywhere in the world have to behave , have been written by MEN.
This all needs to change -- NOW
There has to be a recognition going forward that all are equal, all have a role to play and all will behave in a respectful way. The shame is that the MEN are more equal than the WOMEN. We need to bring in a whole raft of changes to Morals of today.
People who know me will understand that I am always an Optimist, always believe in giving anyone an opportunity if they are the appropriate individual or deserve the chance. That doesn't mean that I have to accept things if they are not as per the agreed standards, no matter which gender they are from.
I value the words in the image below because I still see some pretty amazing people who are driven to bring about change in all walks of life across the Globe.
There are inspirational people around the world in our lifetime that are trying to change things -- either their own lives and situations or challenging Companies and Governments to bring in change so that we have a better future.
Do a Google on "Inspirational People" and you will be amazed -- some I knew and some were new--- Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook fitting for Feminism, Amy Schumer - comedienne fighting Rape against women through humour -- Jessica Cox , Has a pilots license and is a black belt in Taekwondo and yet has no arms -- Nick Viyacic -- has no limbs and yet is an international speaker and writer -- Liz Murray , homeless at 15 and now has a PHD in Clinical psychology - Richard Attenborough , in his 80's and yet still trying to show us how we are killing the planet --- and there are many many more but whether they will have the impact we need , who knows.
Do I think that there is enough being done to rid the planet of what is clearly a complete imbalance on who has the power on this planet -- at this time -- Not a prayer but I will continue to hope. We all should HOPE.
The following is one of the most inspirational messages from one of the last centuries most iconic people in Nelson Mandella. We should remember that in any country his early actions would not have been acceptable but he continued to try to make change from both inside and outside prison.
The only shame is that he forgot GENDER off his list.
The extreme end of Female activists for the empowerment of women is Gloria Steinem, who has been the voice in America and at times globally. I wont go into detail be would recommend an interview when she came out with a new book as an insightful read of one women's perspective of changes that are needed. Go To--------
Gloria is the founder of Ms magazine in order that women had a voice.
And for MEN who may be tempted to go into the whole Male rant that Feminists are Lesbians or Bi at least , think again as this lady has been married twice.
The really interesting view in her interview surrounds Hilary Clinton's challenge for The Presidency of the United States. In short , - she says -- Hilary had to do more than others to get a remote possibility of victory and a Male driven media worked against her --read the story.
Summary
When I read back through this Blog, the one thing that strikes me is that it is far from being adequate and there are some many part to the subject of Unacceptable Behaviour, to Inequality between MEN and WOMEN and how little has changed , despite the fact that we are told that we are better educated and more intelligent than before.
Everything that I have read on this subject of it being a MAN's world , screams of the injustice of our so called "Civilised" society that has it controlled still by MEN.
It is MY opinion that we are a million miles away from having a world where Women are equal to Men and have the rights to have the same voice as their male counterparts.
Until the day comes when we are moving forward as allies -- men & women -- we can forget the opportunity that we will ever find Peace and Tolerance and create a world where people live in perfect harmony and have little or no disruption to peaceful living. And it stays as a MAN's world
However, as it is that time of year and they say that there are miracles at this time , then I will hope ---
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