In a Word . . . Child

I blame adults. The world would be a better off without them. Men, particularly.

Just look around this earth and pick any conflict, anywhere. Who’s fighting? Men. Okay, so women are allowed serve in some armies now but that very exception proves the rule.

Look at Syria, few women fighting there. Look at Daesh/Islamic State – is there a more evil force on earth? Testosterone-fuelled barbarity, not least in their treatment of women who they reduce to sex slaves.

No, men are the problem. You judge a society by how restrained its men are. Because, all men have within them the inclination to be other than restrained.

And, no, I don’t say that out of any low self-esteem, loathing. Just observation.

Besides, ask anyone familiar with me and they will readily testify that they know few members of the male sex who loves himself quite as I do me. Then, if you could see me through my eyes you’d feel the same way too.

I’ve always felt wary about my own gender but what has brought that unease to the surface in floods over recent years has been the torrent of child abuse cases going through the courts. Some men will stop at nothing, regardless. They will have their way.

I was in a city centre cafe recently when I heard cries of delight from a child. Turning around I saw her rushing back to her family as a middle-aged man began to run after her. He was teasing but I was not so sure.

She was about four and he was at least 15 times her age. He had been eating on his own and she would sneak to his table now and then, and when he saw her she would squeal before running back to her family.

It seemed harmless fun but I couldn’t help wondering, which is probably unfair. It isn’t fair that the predatory activities of a small number of men should mean we are all brushed with suspicion when it comes to proximity to children. But it is the reality.

If on this day, or any other day, it means one less child is at risk due to an eternal suspicion of all men, then so be it. It seems a small enough price to pay for the safety of children. Child, from the Old English cild.

[ inaword@irishtimes.com ]