Is there a common thread among the reports of abuse in the recent months? Most often, women have been the victims at the hands of men. What might be the underlying cause? Can we relate it to one’s worldview?
Recent History
Let’s review the abuse. Motion picture executives have forced actresses into sex in return for casting, et. al. A USOC gymnastics physician from Michigan State University (MSU) was sentenced to over 100 years in prison. He had abused of young, female gymnasts for decades. As a result, scrutiny of Michigan State athletic programs has revealed potential abuse of coeds by team athletes. Both the MSU college president and athletic director have since resigned. The implication is that the coaches on the teams involved should have done more to prevent such occurrences over the last decade. Both harsher punishment and more education on the respect for women are two areas where it is felt that coaches should have done more. Business leaders and government officials have not been exempt from this recent abuse – “Houston, we have a (systemic) problem.”
Opportunity
In the world of sports, there is an interesting parallel here that also involves college coaches. I was thinking about the disrespect that began last year, shown by NFL and NBA players for their country. I was dismayed by an intellect that could not imagine how to make their grievances known without disrespecting the country that both gave them that freedom of expression and the opportunity to make millions of dollars playing a game! Without trying to digest a potpourri of reasons for such behavior, born out of each individuals background, culture and experience, I wondered who might have had the last opportunity to impact the worldview (assuming that worldview is a key component of behavior) of these professional athletes prior to these unfortunate actions. College coaches were my assessment.
As college coaches could have influence on how their players react to perceived unfairness (from interactions with opposing teams & referees, to larger issues having to do with discrimination & race), they should have taken the opportunity to mold their young men to respect women like they were their own daughters, or suffer the consequences. Such consequences could have included less or no playing time and/or removal from the team.
The recent, unfortunate happenings with the University of Louisville basketball program are another part of this sad story. Alas, if (major) college athletics has become/been too much of a big business, a la professional sports, then perhaps we should replace more of these presidents, athletic directors, and coaches with the types of leaders who are concerned with character development. Not every coach is a John Wooden. However, there are coaches out there who love the sport. They also want to teach leadership skills, which include caring for the souls surrounding them.
Causes of Abuse
So what does your worldview say about the abuse of positions of authority? In this post, we’re focusing on abuse toward women. I suppose in the current climate, the only good thing is that the pervasiveness and frequency of abuse has and will continue to come to light. I think the crux of this issue revolves around what one’s worldview says about sex. Within the Biblical worldview, sex and money are two of the most reported topics. Clearly and sadly, both are centric to this discussion and what people do to build their egos. The lust of the flesh feeds greed, and vice versa. Women have been exploited for thousands of years – what can we do about it today?
Self Control
One can look to a worldview that teaches respect and reverence for all people. Women, in particular, are to be neither exploited nor abused. The Biblical worldview has been known for over 6000 years. It teaches both respect and reverence for all, so what’s happened? One has to be motivated to both embrace, and follow, a particular worldview. If lust and greed overwhelm any innate sense of decorum, then the teaching one receives is all that remains. If advertising and entertainment media trade on lust, then the family, the primary and secondary educational systems, and the church are one’s last resorts for a different perspective that puts one’s own lusts aside for a greater good. We aren’t born knowing how to do this. Worldview, community that teaches and values all people as made in the image of God, and divine help all influence those who “discipline their desires.”
Responsibility
Unfortunately, the media, with few exceptions, not only devalues women but also denigrates the family. For men trying to “keep up” with and impress one another, TV, movies, music and porn culture often portray women as eager to hop in bed with dominant men. A more righteous and respectful worldview makes a difference – love God, love people, and share His message! What’s your worldview telling you? If you have a family, remediation starts there. Men, what are you teaching your sons and exemplifying to your wives and daughters about the respectful care, nurturing, and elevation of women? If you are an educator, coach, leader, commentator, etc., that responsibility continues with you.
