Pastor Deems Masculine Ideals Destructive
By Claudia Liburd
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Eden Browne Minister of Religion Pastor Davidson Morton |
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis -LOCAL Minister of Religion at the Eden Browne Church of God, Pastor Davidson Morton has articulated his dissatisfaction with current destructive models of masculinity.
The remarks came during an exclusive interview with SKNVibes.com where Morton discussed several factors contributing to societal ills such as gang violence and HIV/AIDS.
“Masculinity has been ill-defined as abuse to the weaker sex and the warped mentality of being a sperm donor rather than being a father. Caribbean men define masculinity by having many sexual partners and being as openly defiant to the normal or reasonable practices of society,” said Morton.
In light of these destructive patterns of masculinity Morton went on to describe male marginalization as unreasonable due to the inaction of boys which often excludes them from academic pursuits.
Morton continued, “All men like others, have choices to make in life. Attitudes to development can leave us marginalized if we are not adequately prepared educationally and other opportunities can evade men if we do not rise to the challenge or seize the moment to take appropriate action.”
In response to this crisis Morton suggested a number of alternative actions for young men and adults. ~~Adz:Right~~
“Men have been told that girls mature earlier than boys and some men have taken it as an excuse not to adequately prepare. Everyone has a choice of behavior and the spread of HIV/AIDS, gang violence and the like could be reduced if men regulate their behavior”, said Morton.
He continued, “Education is the key to eradicating any social ills as they are issues of the heart which can only be checked with the proper teaching. Parents should instill values of caring sharing and loving each other as we love ourselves. Young men must also respect other persons and their property.”
From an evangelical perspective Morton noted that men must strive for equality with women in social spheres and to highly view their position within homes and family structures.
“Firstly, men must see themselves as equal to women. They must also take their role as providers for the home as an honorable pursuit and be proud to look after their children and be more productive in society. The power of choice is the key to solving these social ills,” Morton advised.
