Lebron James, Shaq ONeal, Domestic Violence, and Hope
Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Recently I did an interview with the Executive Director of The Domestic Violence Center in Northeastern Ohio . We discussed the state of affairs regarding domestic violence in Northeastern Ohio and across the United States . This well versed and passionate expert stunned me with statistics of domestic violence in relation to the views of teenagers.
Consequently, someone did a study on how young people felt about the incident, and how they felt about domestic violence in general. In brief, approximately 50% of those surveyed felt Rhianna very well might have deserved the beating. The survey further showed about 50% of young people also think women may deserve to be beat-up, punched and roughed up if they do something disrespectful to their male partner. Wow! Fifty percent of these young people felt that as some would say "an old fashion butt kicking is appropriate for women who deserve it!" We have a big problem if young people are gravitating towards that type of thought and behavior. To me the statistics were shocking. I thought that kind of antiquated attitude was certainly no longer commonplace. Apparently, it is more commonplace than I imagined , as this expert also told me domestic abuse is at alarmingly high levels among young people. B y young people, I am referring to teenagers. Therefore, the statistics seem to accurately reflect their behavior.
So, how do you change this type of thinking? And how do you change it quickly? I suggest you get role models- huge role models such as the famous and highly respected basketball player Lebron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the equally famous Shaq O'Neal of the Phoenix Suns to do well produced public service announcements. Other well-respected celebrities also could be utilized with no bearing on race, color or creed-well-respected role models being the criteria. Importantly, these announcements should be done in a one-on - one personal style to young people. The PSA's could be on television, in newspapers and billboards.
I do not see another way to make a quick change of opinion and attitude other than having these, or other respected role models communicating with young people. Kids yearn for direction and when they do not get it, they just float around with a sort of half-direction, picked up on the street, music videos or from immature young people. Like it or not, many young people look to superstars for direction and attitudes.
All we need now is a great producer, some funds and a salesperson to convince these role models to help. These celebrities could make an important large-scale difference in so many lives, so much more than basketball could ever offer them. In addition, they'd gain a different level of respect, globally, for standing up for such a right thing to do. Let's give them the opportunity to help.
Now, is there anyone out there listening who can help? Step right on up.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Hi Steve, excellent job on reporting this very sad statistic. I believe it is true. I have had experience with these kinds of things in my family. Unfortunately, the violence is not just one way. I have seen violent women take advantage of the fact that a man was taught to never hit a woman. It all boils down to respect and honor for another human being and going back to the golden rule, treat others as you want to be treated. Unfortunately, the cyle of domestic violence subconsciously teaches to treat others as you have been treated. Using famous role models is a start, but it has to go deeper, one has to be pricked in the heart, because it is the heart that needs healing and changing to make real and lasting change.Great job!!! Blessings to you! TeresaThanks for writing—I could not agree with you more when you write that “to be pricked in the heart, because it is the heart that needs healing and changing to make real and lasting change.” I guess those of us who care will keep on finding ways to get to the core, to the changing of the heart—I can tell you’re one of those who’ll keep on trying—it’s a pleasure to be in your company.
Steve,I love your articles! Thank you for doing what you are doing. You are awesome!Author Becky DueThanks Becky and let me say that your heartfelt comments and your writing and work for women stand out from the crowd--thanks again.
50%? That's hard to believe! How can anyone think that? How is it that such a stone-age concept can be so prevalent today? UNBELIEVABLE!Steve, I share your hope for change. Our young people need leadership in this matter.Thank you for an informative and relevant article.The first sentence you wrote is EXACTLY the way I felt when I read those statistics! Yes, leadership is what we need—the sooner the better. Thanks for writing, I appreciate it.
Yeah, Steve, I agree that role models help change teenage attitudes and behaviour, but guess what? So does the media. You just helped 'cause you brought me up to date on some stats I wasn't aware of. Good job. I'm a novice to SearchWarp (I just criticized a woman's poetry . . . oops!) and don't know all the rules, but if I'm going to read some more of your stuff, and if it's got meat to it (like this one) I might just make your fan club the first one I join.Thanks John I appreciate an obviously tell it like it is person saying what you said. I’ve done some “meat” articles that were controversial too that caused some hassle but I talk from my heart, not trying to hurt anyone and open to everyone’s opinion. That seems to make it okay for everyone concerned. As far as criticizing someone’s poetry, as long as you do it constructively—I think it’s fine—at least in my opinion. Good luck. Oh, by the way, I agree with you totally about the media.
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