Who Will Teach Our Boys?

Our boys seek attention, self-promotion,
    visibility, and personal power.
Our boys deem others inferior, 
    thus they abuse, neglect, or exploit others.
Our boys use fear and coercion to influence others,
    and to gather followers.
Our boys act with reckless impulsivity and impunity,
    despite harm to others.

Can we men demonstrate maturity, responsibility,
    accountability, and respect for others?
Can we men condemn the immorality of violence?
Can we men express and encourage
    compassion and empathy?
Can we men demonstrate our humanity by pursuing
    the rights and well-being of others?

Can we men actively create
    a more just, less violent world?

Can we men teach our boys?


Will Walsh