Je Suis Charlie

On January 7th, 2015 a horrific terror attack on the offices of the satirical Charlie Hebdo, located in Paris, which had left 12 people dead.  It was believed that it was in response to the magazines depictions of Muhammad that had lead two men to open fire on unarmed employees at Charlie Hebdo. Another 5 victims were killed in two more linked incidents over the following two days.

This sparked the debate about the freedom of speech in art and mainly in the freedom of speech. We are all entitled to our own voice without the fear of being threatened or killed and rightly so. Must we censor ourselves to satisfy every individual to the degree where we no longer speak as we live in fear of offending another human being.

It's a tough debate as we appear to be less and less censored of sexual content, violence, drugs and terrorism but are told what is deemed right and wrong in what output we give out to the rest of society in order to express ourselves.

If we cannot express ourselves freely, how is it that our children are exposed to such atrocities, that 10 years ago would be appalling to the whole of society. Nowadays we have become desensitised to such content due to its prominent features in our news, tv shows, movies, games and discussions to the point where it is completely normal behaviour.

So how is it that our own mouths have to contain a certain amount of censorship in order to not upset others but our desensitisation to much more damaging content than words.

When our ideas, values and beliefs are challenged, we feel the need to go on the defensive. Which really becomes an offensive approach, which causes the situation to become a battleground where both individuals/groups will fight until the death or before one becomes the bigger person and lets it go.

This has become the case in France. Sadly, 17 people were killed over three days as a result.

Canberra Times' political cartoonist, David Pope

Freedom of speech needs to be allowed by everyone and the words taken with a grain of salt. It is simply empty words, that pierce our armoured exterior and penetrates the ego. Let the ego be unfazed by the opinions and comments of others, we know our value. We know who we are. We know what we believe. So how do we let others dictate our beliefs and values to fit their own views? Why do we hold so much value on the opinions of others, when majority of these people are strangers?

This is our problem that we need to confront and understand. That we ourselves have control of our own actions. These actions are the only aspect of our life we truly have control of. This includes our thoughts and feelings. No one can dictate to us how we can feel or what we can think. Even our actions cannot be governed to an extent. We shouldn't let those around us have any value into the negative impact that may have in our lives.

Our reactions to these events truly give us an insight to who we are as people. The more reactive we become to these events in a negative manner, the harder we can turn it into a positive. You see there are two things that happen in a tragic event. It can bring awareness and it can bring division between the two different opinions.

The way to bring together the two parties is through mediation and discussion. We cannot keep fighting fire with fire. Diminishing the other side until they have no other option but to comply and surrender. We need to meet a peaceful resolution that involves understanding and compromise.

However, for as long as we have hate in our hearts and love in our minds, we will never be able to function as a collective human species. If we begin to love one another and shun the differences in opinions and act like these opinions are only valuable to the individual and not society as a whole, with others opinions not having even the slightest affect on us, will freedom of speech and freedom itself can set us free.

True freedom in all aspects of life will only be possible once THE PEOPLE decide it is time to come together and become one with another. Accepting each other as family and that there is more then one way to skin a cat. It doesn't have to be your way, but that's okay.

There should never be a gag in the mouths of the people, for the words of a man, may be the only way to find a more prosperous life for all of man kind. Not dictated, not fought with guns but shared ideals of the common man striving for the betterment of all, and not of a few.

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear."

Harry S Truman, 1950

“When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” 

George R.R Martin 

"Je Suis Charlie"  is French and translates to  "I am Charlie" . I demand freedom of speech. I demand freedom of expression. I stand by the innocent victims of Charlie Hebdo attacks. I stand by every individual who is creative who wishes to express themselves without fearing backlash. I stand by those all around the world who are affected by terrorism. I stand by those who rally against terrorism. 

I AM CHARLIE.

2015 The Year of The Gentleman - 12 Ways To Be The Ultimate Gentleman

What we strive to be in everyday life should be better people. Our new years resolution should involve being more loving, more caring and focusing more on the positive aspects of life in 2015. So I thought it would be best if I wrote about the way men should present themselves and hold themselves coming into 2015. As growing up does not necessarily lead to a boy becoming a true gentleman.

Being a gentleman does not evolve from the outside but rather from our own innate beliefs and values. These values and beliefs are not necessarily taught through schools or from parent and are required to be self learned. 

I for one, am far from perfect however I continually look for ways that I can improve and I feel like it would be fitting sharing this with others in hopes that 2015 heads in the right direction of progression.

As we look at society as a whole we tend to find many issues with the way men conduct themselves, that is not to say, that women are perfect. No, far far from it. With the younger generations involving themselves in equally reckless behaviours including unsafe sex, binge drinking, drug abuse and other risk taking behaviour on both sides. I want to look at 12 ways that we can start off on the right path and progress from boys to gentlemen in 2015. 

1. Respect 

As gentlemen, it is expected that we respect ourselves and others around us. In saying that, we must dress appropriately and in a manner that shows we respect ourselves and respecting those who we come into contact with. 

We must respect everyone, including females and other men. Regardless of whether these individuals respect themselves, a true gentleman does not lower his standards to others. He does not cuss, he respects everyone and he does not degrade another male for the pleasure of himself. He respects and listens to the opinions of others including those who do not agree with him. 

2. Manners 

Goes hand in hand with respect. Knowing whats acceptable in certain situations is down to education, for most manners are unspoken. A true gentleman says please and thank you, looks someone in the eye when they are speaking or are spoken to by someone else. He holds himself in good posture and again,  avoids swearing. This also includes taking other peoples feelings and emotions into consideration when making decisions, in your actions and in the way you conduct yourself. 

3. Integrity

Stay true to your word. If you make a promise keep it. There is nothing worse in this world than a man who says he will do something and doesn't do it. This also includes being loyal. Remain loyal to your friends and your woman. 

4. Chivalry 

Chivalry separates the gentlemen from the boys. A true gentleman holds the door for his woman, he pays attention to the little details of his woman and he makes her feel like a queen. 

5.  Well Presented

I did mention this in respect but its that important that I had to highlight it. No woman wants a male who looks like he just crawled out of bed to take her out. Focus on the details. Be well groomed and dress appropriately for the occasion. Being well presentable shows that you take pride in your appearance and thats a must for the proper gentleman. 

6. Be On Time 

Being on time shows that you respect the other persons time and that you're not selfish. If you are running late its important that you let the other person know that you're running late and when you arrive apologise for any inconvenience that you may of imposed on the other person. 

7. Show Interest in the Other Person 

No one likes to listen to someone talk about themselves for hours on end. Show that you're interested in the other persons life regardless of whether or not that you are. Its polite. Ask them questions about their family, career and any interests that they may have. You never know you might find that you have a lot in common. 

8. Be Confident But Remain Humble 

No one likes someone who is full of themselves. Believe in yourself and what you want to achieve but never let it get to your ego. Egos are left at home where no one can really see them. Being confident involves speaking clearly, projecting positive body language but not having to be loud. Confidence is shown through your body language and not through your voice. Once you start talking about yourself, it becomes more arrogance than confidence. Turn the volume down. 

9.  Remain Composed 

Composure is key. Being able to keep control of yourself and being able to keep calm is one of the hardest things to master when you're being put in a situation where you are confronted with a difficult situation. However, this includes getting drunk. You don't need to be completely blind and off your face to have a good time. Drinking responsibly and staying away from drugs is a good idea. This allows you to make sure that you're being respectful, well mannered and presentable. 

10. Raised Values and Standards 

Knowing what you want in life shapes your life. If you settle for mediocre behaviour from your friends, women and yourself you will ultimately never have anything great. Act appropriately, increase your vocabulary, don't try and hit on every girl that you see, respect them. Don't sleep with just any girl, numbers are for your ego not for you. Outline who it is that you wish to be, what sort of values and standards you want to have. True gentlemen have high standards. 

11. Remains a Life Long Learner 

A gentleman does not cease learning once his education is finished. He seeks knowledge for the duration of his life through books and experience. He looks to progress himself in all aspects of life and does not believe that there is such thing as too much education. 

12. Has a Positive Outlook on Life 

Our energy shapes our thoughts and our actions. Being positive allows us to keep happiness and laughter in our conversations. No one likes seeing someone with a frown and a poor attitude. 

In essence, a gentleman has strong core values that are not based on selfishness or greediness. He gives respect to every individual he encounters and understands that everyone has an opinion. He avoids conflict as much as possible and will only resort to physical violence when necessary. A gentleman holds himself with great pride and speaks passionately. They never take advantage of poor situations and respect the feelings and views of others. He does not aim to impress others but is completely selfless in his actions, he has no ulterior motive. But most importantly, he knows how to respect and treat women. 

It is time that all men strive not to act like boys, but to become gentlemen in 2015. That when a fellow male acts in a non-gentleman way, he speaks up and educates his fellow male in the proper etiquette of the way he should conduct himself.