I was surprised to see my wife add the hash tag #metoo to her face book page the other day. Of course I knew about the campaign and supported it. When I asked about why she posted it, she reminded me of an incident that happened to her years ago. It was something that has happened to almost all women at sometime in their lives. Of course she had spoken of it too me long ago but I had forgotten all about it. I HAD FORGOTTEN!! How could I have forgotten something as despicable as that. And that's the problem with being a white male. I think far too many times we (white males) have the privilege of a selective memory. We watch these situations play out in front of us and ask how can this be happening but because what happens to Women and Blacks and Muslims on a daily basis is not happening to us we let it dissipate from out minds.
I have never experienced what women go through or blacks or Muslims. I can't. I wish I could. What I can do is be much more aware of my actions towards everyone. I can stand up when I see something wrong happen. I can be a better person. I can't change the colour of my skin but I can change the colour of my attitude.
I hope that I have never made any woman feel uncomfortable in any way. If I have, please accept my apology. White males around the globe have likely done this "self" examination over the past week. Hopefully it won't be a one time thing and that we will make it a regular part of who we are. Most of all I hope we don't "forget"!
