International Men's Day: Nov. 19, 2012

From Marc A.:

Today is International Men's Day, a day to celebrate the men and boys in our lives and men's contributions to humanity, civilization, family, & child care, and to address men's issues and equal rights.

International Men's Day was first inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, and today is celebrated in over 60 nations and on every continent. The objectives of IMD include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Director of Women and Culture of Peace Ingeborg Breines said of IMD, "This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Men's_Day

The National Coalition For Men celebrated International Men's Day by hosting a party in Eagle Rock at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles that included two bands - an all-female Jimi Hendrix tribute band called Foxey Lady, and a local Eagle Rock band called Buck Shot Bill that has musicians from TMZ. The event was a big success and will be repeated every year. http://eaglerock.patch.com/articles/international-men-s-day-festivities-in-eagle-rock-friday

Progress is happening and we are overcoming the ignorance, reactionism, hate, sexism, and misandry of those that would obstruct progress. Both the UN and the European Court of Human Rights have chastised nations (Israel and Germany, respectively) for discriminating against dads. German and surrounding nations are forming commissions on men. We're seeing major activism throughout the world, especially in India, where only men can be prosecuted for adultery and where the government only protects abused women but not men. The Nordic nations are increasingly opposing infant male circumcision and supporting laws to protect both girls and boys. Los Angeles County has a task force on male victims of domestic violence and is also working with San Diego County on the issues. Activism is increasing all over the world. Yes, there will be always reactionism and hate, but we are OVERCOMING IT!

Happy International Day to everyone! This article in the Business Insider provides an excellent discussion about International Men's Day.