In some recent travels, the cultural perceptions of both Americans and attitudes toward or about Domestic Violence began to emerge into trends. First, and not the least bit surprising, is that Americans are quite disfavored among most of the world. Generally, our Nation is seen by foreigners as self-serving, over-indulgent, arrogant and full of people with a misguided sense of entitlement. Of course, since that perception is fairly accurate when it comes to our Nation as a whole - and particularly those under the age of 30 - there is not much to be said about it. Foreign Governments, on the other hand, still welcome Americans by the droves - or at least our dollars (even as devalued as they have recently become). As you can see by the photo, this is not your average "public" place and was enjoyed at the invitation by one of import - as well as attending, and being invited as the key-note speaker, at a regional international symposium on Domestic Violence Prevention.
The issue of Domestic Violence Prevention simply must stay in the forefront of our minds. Here, in the United States, Domestic Violence has reached a pandemic level. Yet, our government continues to ignore it because to do something meaningful about it does not bring about social change fast enough for one to take political credit. Indeed, sponsoring a State Bill that would cost significant tax dollars leaves a Senator or Representative politically vulnerable at the next election. An opponent can spin the topic: "Senator X voted to spend $X,XXX,XXX.xx on this program ... WHERE ARE THE RESULTS FOR ALL YOUR MONEY?" Of course, meaningful programs will take a generation to ripen and bear social fruit. So, politicians continue to side-step the issue while America's children remain unprotected and, in many cases, are quickly converted to either predators or victims by the abuse itself.
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