The next generation needs to be taught respect for all fellow humans

#HowIWillChange, posted by men confessing some inappropriate behaviour. Again, certainly a wellmeaning effort to be part of a solution, but also a counterproductive one, adulterating the gravity of the issue. The raw emotions set free by this campaign only resonate with minor offenders and those who were already appalled before, leaving the monsters unrepentant and unapologetic.

Can we mend a broken past? No. Can we make sense of a broken present? Maybe. Hopefully. Can we work towards a better future, a society less hostile to women? Or better yet, a culture of protection and encouragement of anyone at the wrong end of a power imbalance?

As with so many scourges of society, a better future starts with parenting. No one wants to raise the next generation of #MeToo’s. Cultures based on strict hierarchy, as, I am sorry to say, my beloved host country Malaysia, are at particular risk.

Parents need to lead by example, cultivate meaningful and respectful relationships with both genders, with their seniors and their juniors, with superiors and employees, staff and maids.

Instead of competitiveness, parents can choose to prioritise empathy among siblings at home, among friends on the playground.

They may demonstrate and discuss consent within the family. Children, both boys and girls, need to be empowered, granted the right to refuse a kiss or a hug from a relative with impunity.

Parents can choose to be silent bystanders or engaged members of society.

If nothing else, the next generation needs to be taught respect for their fellow humans. For all their fellow humans.