Perth Voice Interactive

THE recent misogynist rant by an eastern states radio shock jock is yet another reminder that many Australian men still have not grown up to accept women as their equals. 

The attack on the Matildas national soccer team was as insulting as it was ridiculous. 

The bloke obviously likes the men’s game better. 

Yep, if one enjoys 22 blokes rolling on the ground, pretending to have been hit by lightning, men’s soccer is the way to go. 

I love soccer. I like most sports, but over the last few years I tend to want to watch women’s sport more than men’s, because I do not get or enjoy the macho rubbish, be that AFL, rugby, cricket, or soccer. 

I have been amazed by the enormous feistiness of women’s rugby and the fantastic skills of female cricket players. 

They are as competitive as male athletes, but still often smile.

The shock jock’s lack of respect for women is an indication why there is so much domestic and family violence in Australia. 

It is actually increasing, although we talk about it more and more in the media. 

A really hard-hitting campaign by federal and state governments should be a priority, because women get killed and bashed daily by angry partners. 

That is absolutely unacceptable, and as a society we should strongly voice that.

We need to however be cognisant to not accuse all men of misogyny or being violent against women, because that is not true. 

It is important to also acknowledge that there are women who are controlling and constantly nag their partners. 

I know of some who insist to see their partner’s mobile phone every evening, to check if they have been texting with other women. 

If there is no trust in a relationship it is doomed. 

I once lived with a woman who removed everything I used in the bathroom and replaced it with products she liked. 

The happy wife, happy life motto is unbalanced. 

Men are more than just purveyors of fine orgasms.

But any kind of unacceptable and controlling behaviour by women is no reason for men to start beating up their lovers. 

Domestic violence is always unacceptable, even when the communication in the relationship has broken down. 

The rubbish that women are asking for it, shows a serious lack of respect for the opposite sex. 

They can wear what they want and do and say what they want, and nothing they do, or how they dress, is an invitation to be raped or violated!

A male athlete getting drunk and giving a police officer lip would hardly raise an eyebrow, but when it is Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr it is a big deal, with some saying this excellent soccer player, and true role model for many young women, should lose the captaincy. 

Why? Just because getting drunk is not girlie, but OK for blokes?

I have always liked strong, intelligent and successful women. 

I was blessed with three sisters, two older ones and a younger one. 

Our tiny house, where I shared the bedroom with them, was a good and steep learning curve for a young man about respect for women and equality. 

I have had my heart severely broken a few times in my long life, and twice had unfaithful lovers, but I still love and  adore women. 

Not once, not ever, have I contemplated beating a partner, no matter how much they had hurt or disrespected me. 

That is what the norm should be in our society.

Let’s remember that very powerful speech by former prime minister Julia Gillard in reply to something Liberal party leader Tony Abbott said:  “I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. And the Government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever!” 

Misogyny is a cancer in society that needs to be eradicated.

Roel Loopers/FREOVIEW