In the last post I raised the issue of who I am? I have written close to 150 posts on this site and purposely stayed away from too much of my personal side. I did that basically because I felt for a long time this blog wasn't about me; it was about personal development. Yet, I realized you can't separate the two. Especially in my case where it is all about my personal journey from sick and homeless to where I am now- healthy and successful. At least successful by my standards and in reality, that is the only standard that matters.
That being said, before I talk about "who I am" I need to mention "what I am known as." To start, if you ever have the chance to visit Westchester County, New York- more specifically, a small city named Peekskill, you will be in my hometown. It is here that I was born and raised. I have lived in Peekskill most of my life. I love the city and it's people.
In that town, I am known by the media and residents as a radio host and a community activist. Still, some call me troublemaker. Depending on your perspective, all of those descriptions- and more- are true ( better to say accurate).
I have had a long and respected career in the arenas I am known for, but that is not who I am. Let us start by saying I am a man. And as a man, I take on certain responsibilities to family, community and society. Don't mistake this to mean I hold sexist views as to the place of a man or woman in society. No, for me being a man means dealing with chauvinistic views that infect us as part of being socialized into this society.
To me, being a man simply means taking on certain responsibilities, such as teaching your daughters how to relate positively to men. We must cultivate loving relationships with our daughters (as well as sons) and talk to them about male/female relationships. We must forever be on the stage and show respect to woman at all times. No "B" words or demeaning jokes. There is much more that goes with this. You must explore your relationships and make adjustment where necessary.
Being a man (to me) also means washing dishes and cooking. Yes, my sons must see that there is no such thing as woman's work! And we must also talk to our boys about showing respect to woman. We must teach them gender specific skills, like shaving and safer sex practices (hard as it is to deal with, the same holds true for the girls!).
Of course there is much, much more to being a man- like getting the love I need- but I wanted you to get an idea about who I am. I am a man who happens to do radio and Human rights.
