Observed annually on November 19 (his father’s birthday), it calls for positive male role models in all walks of life; the celebration of men’s positive contribution to family life; a focus on men’s health and spiritual well-being; improving long gender relations; combating discrimination against men in areas of social services and law; and creating a safer world where people can optimise their abilities.
Teelucksingh has long been an activist for social justice, and has written and spoken extensively on labour movements and workers’ rights in the Caribbean. His activism turned to addressing the spiritual, cultural and psychological problems of men caused by shifts in gender roles, male stereotyping, and social institutions that have overwhelmingly sided with women in custody battles.
Although he is the architect of this growing movement, Teelucksingh declines a leadership role and prefers the title, “co-ordinator”.
“This is a pure grassroots movement that allows our many co-ordinators to function and grow their respective bodies as they see fit; so it’s not uncommon to see different websites and logos. That’s fine. What’s important is that we work toward the same goals.” He calls International Men’s Day “a conscious movement and a way of living.” Teelucksingh says that being a co-ordinator “should not be a burdensome job or one that demands attention for the entire year.” He advises interested individuals to “create a timeline which will show when, where and they will begin planning the observance.” He also encourages co-ordinators to create archives of their specific work undertaken on that day.
“This is important so that other co-ordinators and supporters would be interested in how they could better their own work and improve observances.” He emphasises the importance of the most seemingly inconsequential of tasks. “No activity is too simple, too insignificant and unworthy if it involves easing the burdens of another living creature. Each drop of sweat, every cent, every second spent in a worthwhile activity will surely assist in helping humanity and improving society.” After a laboured start International Men’s Day gained momentum when American-born Diane Aisha Sears was contacted by a co-ordinator in Australia.
In synch with Dr Teelucksingh’s vision, Sears assumed the role of United States co-ordinator. Arguably, she is now the fulcrum of a movement that is now observed in 81 countries.
From her office in Philadelphia where she oversees co-ordinators in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Delaware, New Jersey and New York, she recalls a childhood that was culturally and spiritually nurtured by every member of her close-knit family. “I learned more outside the classroom,” she said.
Still, she excelled in college and now works as a paralegal. Sears was introduced to “In Search of Fatherhood,” a project that was undertaken by LT Henry, her mentor. His sudden passing was an enduringly painful experience.
“He suffered so much but I feel that he is living through my involvement with International Men’s Day.” When she was introduced to Dr Teelucksingh in 2009, “it all came together.” Sears effusively praises the Trinidadian lecturer and activist. “His organisation felt so real and so important,” she notes. “When I look around I see that boys and men have become the underclass. There is so much emphasis on girls and women now that we are ignoring a festering social problem.” Sears identifies fatherless homes and the separation of men from their children as an issue that needs to be addressed. However, she posits that skewed, unnatural upbringing of boys breeds dysfunctional men that are incapable of social integration.
“Boys are generally not allowed to express their feelings although they emerge from the womb with the same emotions as girls,” she opines. “When boys are erroneously taught that strength is purely physical – ‘to suck it up’ – and crying is a sign of weakness, we are courting trouble. Boys must learn that showing vulnerability in front of another person is a risk and that is sign of strength not weakness.
Where does the emotional and psychological pain go? Either it implodes, leading to alcoholism, drug addiction and domestic problems; or it explodes in the form of violence and suicide. It’s the elephant in the room.” Sears presents staggering statistics on male suicide, the theme of this year’s International Men’s Day.
“Of every 1000 suicides every year, 79 percent are male. Why then do men resort to suicide as the only option to escape from psychological, spiritual and emotional pain?” she asks.
She refers to an article entitled, “It’s Society, Not Biology That is Making Men More Suicidal,” penned by a British journalist. She culls a profound assertion from this article that was published in The Telegraph: “If depression is the mind’s way of telling us there is something wrong in our environment, then the broader increase in male suicides is telling us there is something wrong in our society.” Sears has prodigiously embarked on a programme geared for inmates at correctional facilities.
“International Men’s Day of Healing and Repatriation,” she says, “underscores the need for atonement and for inmates to be involved in planning their reintegration as wholesome and constructive human beings in society.” Although buoyed by the accomplishments of International Men’s Day Sears acknowledges the challenges ahead and looks forward to working closely with Dr Teelucksingh.
“We must articulate and be true representatives of our mission and ideals every day. Only then can IMD be instrumental in transforming society for the better.” Feedback: glenvilleashby@ gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@ glenvilleashby
