Inspired
By Dan-Sean Mankind on October 3, 2008 @ 12:00 am
Instead of encouraging our sons, nephews, brothers, etc. to go out and have sex like it’s a right of passage, let’s try enforcing some safe sex practices. Better yet, let’s encourage them to wait longer. Let’s encourage them to be responsible for their actions. Let’s encourage our young men to be strong, confident, and respectful. Let’s not be afraid or unsure as to how we are going to approach a young adult with this.
Instead of showing young women how to be sassy and liberated, let’s first show them how to dress, and conduct themselves appropriately. There was a time when women as well as young ladies wore slips underneath their dresses. There was also a time when females wore shorts underneath their short skirts. Let’s encourage our young women to be strong, independent, and respectful women.
There was a time when men and women held each other down in the sense of being the rock for one another. Instead of mentally beating one another up, they uplifted one another. We all must understand that we were created to love one another, not ridicule one another for being different, thinking different, having different social and financial statuses, or ethnic backgrounds. It is highly important that we realize that no one person is exempt from experiencing struggle and strife. We must come to the realization that when one person shines, it is to be inspiration for another to believe that he or she can shine also. That is in no way a reason to be jealous. We must know that we are all capable of achieving greatness. However, one must first believe. Making mistakes only opens the door for correction.
Let’s walk the path of greatness, one step at a time. And let’s not be afraid to take the hand of someone in need and walk that path with them.
Excellent post, Dan-Sean. Sex education, respect, and responsibility. Right on! I’m not sure you’ll be able to influence the fashion world much; but I think that if you can instill in others the values you mention, then what people wear won’t matter a whole lot.
Nice post! I can see how others might read it as being very “old school” advising people to hold off on the sex and um..actually dressing instead of barely covering up the “naughty bits” – a phrase I find amusing.
I was amazed when I found that a few of my boyfriends had had their “rite of passage” at age 12 or 13. That seems freaky young to me. I remember when I was 13 – I was mature for my age but SO NOT READY for sex. Sure I thought about it but I knew I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t even some prudish thing – I just knew I wasn’t ready for sex. I was a shy nerd (I guess this is redundant) so there was no real pressure for me to have sex.
When it comes to women’s clothing – I guess I’m used to seeing teenagers and young women with sheer tops that reveal camisoles and bras. I just like to see people wear clothing that is flattering to them. A camisole and low waisted jeans aren’t all that flattering for a lot of figures. You essentially have to be skinny to not have any “overflow” (muffin top?) over the jeans.
I don’t mind tattoos (dated a guy with this incredible vine tattoo that wound up his back – phew!) but some I think should be nice and private surprises. The so-called “Tramp Stamp” (small of back) can be very beautiful but they do give a trampish impression when not in the right context.
Fantastic post. Im doing my best as a parent to install as many of these qualities as possible into my son.
I thank you Lavendar bay for understanding my position.
Ms Q, you’re so right on! I’m not trying to change the fashion world, but instilling values would increase change on it’s own! Thanks for your viewpoints.
Thanks Meleah! I appreciate your feedback!