This piece isn’t one of my “go hire a coach to set your life on fire” articles. You can read almost two years of those if you just click on my name at the top of this post.
But I do want to refer to one article that I put out a few weeks ago.
In “There has been an awakening, have you felt it” I write about how the divine masculine in the world has a divine responsibility to be kings. To be the agents for leadership, change, and transformation in the world.
In light of a few things in the news as of late, I wanted to refer to one sentence in that piece.
“Guys put women on pedestals/Kings partner with women.”
Keep this sentence in mind as we move forward.
- Pulp Fiction
- Silver Linings Playbook
- Rounders
- Good Will Hunting
- Cider House Rules
I could have named any of over 100 films. These films all have one name in common: Harvey Weinstein.
Something that triggers me deeply is men who prey on those weaker than they are; seniors, children, animals, disabled people, and women.
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The New York Times released an article alleging Weinstein’s cover up of sexual misconduct and assault that dates back decades. He’s accused of paying off victims to keep their silence. Women ranging from entry-level employees of his company to well-known actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd are among the more than 20 women who have come forward with allegations against Weinstein so far.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Weinstein’s political ties. He’s got high-level connections to the highest levels of the Democratic Party. He’s raised money for former President Clinton, former President Obama, and for Hilary Clinton’s ill-fated run for the White House. Malia Obama even worked as an intern for Weinstein’s company.
He’s one of the most powerful men in the world. I don’t believe that’s an exaggeration.
Weinstein’s temper is well-known. But his talent is also well-known.
Understand that these are all allegations and that Harvey Weinstein – like anybody – deserves due process and his day in court. But there’s a lot of smoke, y’know?
I have a few thoughts about the roles that men have in this world. The roles that powerful men have in this world. And how we can change that narrative to something a little more empowering.
Let me put one thing on loudspeaker, I do not deny that Harvey Weinstein (along with his brother Bob, let’s not forget) have produced some of the finest films of the last 35 years. Good Will Hunting and Pulp Fiction are two of my favorite movies of all time.
And even though I’m a published novelist, I am first and foremost a screenwriter. It’s what I do best. And I have long-dreamed of a meeting with one of the most powerful men in Hollywood.
But even if these allegations are proven false, that dream is dead.
Something that triggers me deeply is men who prey on those weaker than they are; seniors, children, animals, disabled people, and women.
It takes a giant dump on my “kings partner with women” theory.
But I’m not foolish. I can separate the person’s talent from their crime or allegation.
Take Jerry Sandusky for example. He was a helluva football coach. His Penn State defenses were regularly among the best in College Football. And he was the position coach for 10 first team All-American Linebackers, including pro and college football hall of famer Jack Ham.
But he’s a serial pedophile who preyed on children and is behind bars where he belongs.
Bill Cosby is another example of this. He was the creative force behind an iconic TV sitcom. He’s also considered to be one of the best standup comedians of all time.
And while he hasn’t been found guilty of any crimes, there are 50+ years of allegations toward him. There’s a lot of smoke from that fire.
Sandusky, Cosby, and Weinstein – along with millions of others – are powerful men who preyed on those considered weaker than they are.
And I’m not blind. I’m not stupid. I know this kind of stuff goes on all the time and not just in Hollywood.
But the power brokers in this world don’t always prey on those seen from the outside as weaker.
Actor Terry Crews is hardly what I’d call a shrinking violet. He’s a former NFL linebacker known for his high-energy tough guy roles and impressive physique. His role as the Old Spice spokesperson speaks to that.
But even he says that he was assaulted. He tweeted that he was groped by a high-level Hollywood executive at a party and that the Weinstein story gave him PTSD.
He was afraid to come forward because he feared repercussions.
To any women reading this article who have been victims of sexual assault or domestic violence – does that sound familiar?
I know of women very close to me who have been victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. It’s taken a lot of healing for them to come back and be the powerhouses they have become.
But it also took a lot for them to tell their stories.
We have a responsibility to be better. Be better boyfriends, husbands, fathers, and friends. We have a responsibility to be better men.
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Here’s my point in all this; we have a responsibility to be better. Be better boyfriends, husbands, fathers, and friends.
We have a responsibility to be better men.
This is what I’m talking about when I talk about how we need to be kings. Kings speak out. Kings are agents for change and transformation.
It’s our divine responsibility as human beings to be with each other. This is so – in the words of John Lennon’s iconic song – the world can live as one.
And don’t get it twisted, I enjoy being a powerful man. I wield a lot of power in this world. My voice on the Good Men Project is a testament to that.
But if we use our power for love instead of domination, that makes the world a better place.
Let’s be kings. C’mon y’all!
Photo by Ralf Steinberger