A False Power

Much as we may deplore his words, his attitude and his actions, we will be hypocritical if we do not admit they will not be considered out of the ordinary in Trinidad and Tobago. Women often find themselves objects of ridicule or the butt or insulting and lascivious comments by men on the streets, in passing cars, in the workplace and in a social setting. Even some very young boys, mimicking their elders, think it funny - and manly to be vulgar and denigrating in their observations of females whose gender makes them fair play to minds too early warped and too easily led astray.

Behaviour of this kind, inclusive of catcalling and ‘sooting’, is outright bullying and abusive.

It may boost the egos of the practitioners but women who have a sense of their worth resent being made the indiscriminate targets of such crass and tasteless harassment. The fact that women have little opportunity to retaliate meaningfully is interpreted as an indication of the ‘powerlessness’ of the female in contrast to the ‘dominance’ of the male.

The fallacy of such thinking makes it more imperative than ever that every institution in the society teach - and practise - recognition and respect for the rights and dignity of all, regardless of gender, class or societal status. It must start with the family and encompass the schools, churches, law courts, business places, taxis and every other area of human interaction.

A society that disrespects its female population is a society on a sure path to self-destruction.

Women hold their own in every sphere of life and their importance to the progress, success and well-being of society is unquestionable. The home-maker, the judge, the security guard, the teacher, the engineer, the cleaner - all fulfill vital roles in the society and their positions and their persons must be treated with the respect they deserve. It goes without saying that the woman must also have respect for herself and the place she holds in the home, the workplace and in the wider society. She cannot expect or demand of others standards or qualities that she does not exhibit herself. As leader in her own sphere of influence, she must teach by example and ensure that, as far as is possible, she conveys values that are consistent with her dignity as a child of God.

She must hold herself responsible for creating higher standards because it is within her power to mould minds and to shape hearts.

True power is not an exercise in dominance, abuse or destruction: it is life-giving and uplifting and is a reflection of the majesty of the loving Creator