Source: Allen Berezovsky/Getty
Protect young black men.
Yes, I'm going there, because for some reason women feel very comfortable defending other women who do deplorable things to young men that we used to crucify our male counterparts for.
Let me explain. When Diddy, 54, confirmed she was dating Young Miami, 29, people were up in arms calling for the city girl to be protected, while pointing out that Diddy was even older than her parents, who were both pleased with the relationship at the time. . Even when it was announced that Cher, 77, was dating music producer and Amber Rose's ex, Alexander “AE” Edwards, 38, many women had words for Edwards calling him a “gold digger” despite the fact that Cher he publicly stated that “the two are just getting each”. but.”
Regardless of the fact that both of the above relationships are significant in age difference, another important fact that everyone missed in their outrage is that both of the younger partners are at least 30 (or approaching) while Jalen Green is not. Let's talk about why it's important. According to most laws, young people are recognized as adults at the age of 18. However, according to the National Library of Medicinebrain development is not complete until age 25. This specifically refers to the development of the prefrontal cortex – the part of your brain responsible for making 'executive decisions' such as thinking and problem solving – confirming that most people don't reach full maturity until their mid-20s .
So the truth is that Draya Michele is not “targeted”, she is a predator who knowingly took advantage of a young man who neither understands the true trap she was placing herself in, allegedly, nor had any wisdom from her male counterparts to to protect him.
Of course, with the number of men spilling the tea about their time with her growing daily, Draya took to her Instagram Story to share her feelings nearly a week after announcing she was reportedly expecting a baby with the 22-year-old Houston Rockets player . , Writing:
“I feel like I'm at the bottom of a pile of heavy people. Most of the day I feel like I have trouble breathing.”
For the record, it's not clear if the post was the Mint Swim CEO expressing distress over her 7-month pregnancy symptoms or an online backlash trolling her for the 17-year age difference between her and her daughter's rumored father . But the post resulted in women expressing their sympathy and calling for an end to the men's backlash. Although the truth is, she must ashamed of her predatory behavior. The fact that the father of her latest child is a year older than her oldest son, Knico Howard, who was born in 2002, should be a red flag to most and is extremely problematic.
For those who still want to argue that they are two equally consenting adults, than science proves otherwiselet's discuss the age gap rule of thumb.
If you subscribe to the “rule of seven”, the question of where the boundaries of a socially acceptable relationship lie is not a matter of opinion – they are clearly defined. According to the rule, the age of the younger partner (regardless of gender) should not be less than seven years older than half the age of the older partner. Summarizing the point that based on Draya's age, she shouldn't be dating anyone younger than 27, proving once again that the relationship borders on predatory.
It's important to point out this type of behavior because in addition to being an influencer with a huge platform, publicly defending her inappropriate relationship not only creates an unhealthy trend in age relationships, but also justifies abuse against young men as part of ” masculinity', which not only traumatizes the individual but also further perpetuates the pattern of men feeling unheard when it comes to various forms of abuse.
Sexual abuse for underdeveloped men and boys has increased with many teachers manipulating young men and having children with little to no consequences. According to a study funded by the US Department of Justice, approximately 10% of all students experience sexual harassment by a school employee sometime between kindergarten and the time they graduate from high school. Male perpetrators outnumber females, study finds. But the number of complaints about female teachers accused of sexually abusing students is increasing – not necessarily because there are more women abusing children, but because they are being caught.
Sexual abuse also has long-term effects on male victims, making it difficult to understand the magnitude of its impact. For male survivors, the long-term effects can be devastating, leading to depression, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. along with difficulties forming healthy relationships and engaging in healthy sexual behavior. Then, we wonder why all these broken men are grabbing a podcast microphone.
The truth is, we can't “Me Too” and demand an end to toxic masculinity and patriarchy while trying to co-opt it. It's time to stop defending toxic and predatory behavior knowing that it creates victims – regardless of gender, even if the behavior is legal.
