Advocacy for tears and men’s talk is a wonderful thing. As it is through such candid conversations that many people can learn who they are. And it is by showing such vulnerably that relationships can be strengthened, or new bridges of understanding built. Talking helps us understand ourselves; what we’re feeling, what what we want, and who we are. It is not something to be afraid of. But so too, we should not view this talk and these tears as the complete solution to what men and boys are experiencing, or a miracle cure to their distress. As whilst they can be good for emotional healing, they do nothing to heal the social, political, economic, legal or structural problems that may shape a man’s distress. It won’t save the homeless men on the streets. It won’t stop others from dying young. It won’t build the refuges, reopen the youth clubs, or form the committees we desperately need. It won’t give fathers equal rights, men’s health equal funding, or survivors equal shelter. It won’t end knife crime. It won’t stop the wars. It won’t keep our boys in school. Tears are good. But they are not a full solution. They are just a means of dealing with the problem. So what do we do to keep pushing the discussion? To ask for more, to widen perspectives, and to tell the world – tears are not enough… ~ Images by Patrick Utersee, Daniel Since, M Mathews, Camila Carvalho, Frank McKenna, Source:
Fathers4Justice Domestic Abuse Domestic Abuse Refuge The Guardian, Boys in Education

2022-12-11