Today's MOZEN: Ladies Beware!

Words and photo by F LoBuono

As strange as it might appear to others, I agree. Guns are not the problem. They are the SYMPTOM. THE problem is our obsession with violence.

Violence surrounds us.

It envelops us.

It invades us.

In fact, we are barraged by violent images on an almost constant basis. Some of the images are obvious. We see them in today's video games like The Art of War, or Grand Theft Auto to name just two of the MANY readily available. There is a plethora of so-called action movies that contain copious amounts of gratuitous violence. There are dozens of TV programs, most of them involving the police or police investigations, that use it for dramatic effect. In the end, ALL problems are solved at the point of a gun.

Some ways that violent images creep into our consciousness are much more insidious. Often it is associated with other images that we consider positive. For example: today, women are being empowered. We see positive images of women doing just about everything - even those once considered traditional male roles. We see this particularly in women's athletics. Led by our National Soccer Team (World Champions), pride in what women can accomplish is palpable.

So, how does that get contorted into something violent? Well, remember I said that women are doing things once considered traditionally male? Well, this includes violence. Virtually every promo for a police drama on TV features a female officer holding what? A gun - and she looks perfectly willing and able to use it! Virtually every advertisement that features an accomplished woman who is a "mover and shaker" at the gym pummeling a punching bag - with great relish and effectiveness.

I'm not saying that these images don't necessarily empower women more, but where they once offered an alternative to violence women can now be JUST as violent as there male counterparts.

And, that, to me, is sad.

Where women once offered a path away from violence, they have been invited to participate in it equally with we foolish males! They should serve in combat in they so choose. They are as perfectly able to kill and be killed as a man. The can kick ass as well as men when they fight (see Rhonda Rousey who is celebrated as one of the toughest PEOPLE on the planet). Women can fill violent TV and movie roles as well as men.

So, why shouldn't they?

For me, I always thought better of women for their ability to eschew violence. They always offered me an alternative to it. Now, they are falling into the same trap. We allow these images to effect us because they sell. If we didn't buy it, they would go away. Now, women are just as weak as we men are - because they are buying violence as a solution. And, I would be willing to guess that these ads and TV programs are created by MEN.

Unless we change our mindset, ALL the gun regulations in the world won't help. Many nations have more guns/capita than we do. Yet, they have a fraction of the violence. Why? Because their culture cannot conceive of using their guns on one another. We cannot say the same. Until we do, be prepared for more anguish.

Girls, you can start the ball rolling. Don't fall into the trap. Reject violence!!