There has always been an inherent sense of guilt hanging over the head of men and boys advocacy; like it’s some grubby little secret, a blemish of your character, or dog whistle for ‘the alt right’. You know those pats on the back, and nods of approval you get for speaking up for vulnerable women? Well don’t expect them if you speak about vulnerable men. As seemingly compassion, care and support is abhorrent, if it is extended to the wrong group of people. As a result you’ll see the bitter pill of ‘mens issues’ sweetened, and often laboured with disclaimers, concessions, and hand wringing apologia. ‘Just because we’re talking about men, doesn’t mean women aren’t…’ So follows the long winded small print that comes alongside every statistic, and grovelling penance paying before any story of male victimhood. Advocacy here is whispered, spluttered, whimpered, or sprinkled with niceties and moral posturing. But should it need to be? Should kindness and compassion be apologised for, explained, or tempered with shows of good virtue? Should advocacy be hidden from view, read beneath the covers, or quietened for the comfort of others? Can such concessions only weaken the cause long term? Should we be apologising for the advocacy of boys and men? ~ Workplace Death  Homeless Deaths Police Homicide Detained Children Suicide UN Homicide Drug Deaths Military Deaths Incarcerated Population Domestic violence statistics Images by Codeioful, Chris Liverani, Milanda Vergova, Brett Jordan, Kenrick Mills, Brock Wenger, Phillippe Bout, from Unsplash.

2023-07-27