Prison Journalism: The ball has always been rolling

Prison Journalism: The ball has always been rollingWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

16-02-2024 16:17

in Prison Journalism

prison Image via Pexels

Allow me to take you back into history and share with the rest of the public about patriarchy/hegemonic masculinity and the placement of men in society as we know it today.

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Since our earlier days, society has given men a sermon that only they may be allowed power and accountability over the common. It sadly has corrupted the system, heavily concerning issues in our society and community with traumatic and violent incidents, for example, crimes like rape, murder, and aggressive crises that violate women and even men.

System of power over one So, while in cases like prison sodomy and sexual abuses, rape is a disease that exists in prison, hegemonic masculinity is where the problem lies. Nobody has any right to violate another being in manners such as in prison or the community, but the corrupted positivity men see themselves in today is almost revolting.

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Levels of power and the role it plays I have been taking lessons from a smart woman about topics that affect our society and the trauma in our communities. There are levels of power, the power over, to allow the power to benefit, and this is all part of the failed system. Violence is a power that also think hard about it if the government really wanted to put an end to gang violence, crimes, etc., it would have happened already. Sadly, it will never because it pays the bills, the pockets of corrupt officials are power. Another form if the dogma goes to men, allowing them to believe they can get away with their control of power.

Respect, accept, and change Men, as we and women see us in society, is not what it is really supposed to be. We know to go back to the drawing board and roll out serious needed changes. If it is the case that the stigma given to men that he is the head over all attracts, let the quality in him steer towards the better and not for the worse. Respect and you will receive respect, towards women and all living beings. Accept the fact that to violate a person's rights is wrong and you have no power over anything rather than responsibility as you are the lead. Compassion and love will be attributes that men will become the heads over the household as change can be possible, but it will take a moment, or it will never really happen.

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All is not lost; there is a movement already fighting for this change all over the world. The same as myself and fellow brothers in research. For an NGO, Restore. We are committed to bringing all we can and make use of if God allows. We need the help of every single person reading this article to spread awareness and update yourself on what actually is going on around the world and in your community. The ball has been rolling since forever; we need to steer it in the right direction!

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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