Who can forget the popular 1980s NBC action adventure television series the “A-Team,” a special group of ex-military veterans who were framed for a crime they did not commit. Desperately seeking to clear their names of any wrong doing, the A-Team stayed on the run to avoid detection or being captured. While on the run, the group of four men worked on behalf of the oppressed. I can clearly remember my favorite toy as a child — an A-Team action figure, B.A. Baracus, played by Mr. T.
The A-Team was first broadcast after Super Bowl XVII. The goal was to spark the interest of men who liked action-filled events with over-the-top cheesy explosive scenes. A motion picture is in the works, which will introduce the A-Team to a new generation of men. Chat rooms are buzzing about the possibility of seeing the beloved A-Team on the big screen, which got me thinking. What if it these same people were excited to see a group of men who stood up for ending violence against women?
Sure, many people may suggest the idea has no appealing catch to it, but let’s explore this concept. Instead of the A-Team, the name would be A-Men. Like the A-Team, A-Men are atypical men who are against oppression. Unlike the A-Team, which uses strong-arm tactics, A-Men look for alternative ways to address oppression. April is an ideal month for A-Men to step up!
So what is an A-Man? They are men who promote awareness, advocacy and action. They articulate atrocities of sexual assault to other men. A-Men are against antagonistic behavior in all areas of abuse. How can “a man” become an A-Man? He can join a group of men already conducting A-Men work in the campus and community called the Progressive Masculinities Mentors and participate in Men Against Violence Week April 20 to 24.
A-Man does not use his hands to hit and abuse women. On Monday SIUC men will have a chance to use their hands for good by participating in “These hands don’t hurt campaign” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Faner Hall Breezeway. All men will be asked to take a pledge to not commit violence against women. A-Man is an affectionate, romantic partner and on Wednesday all men should attend a critical conversation about relationship equality hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Delta Phi and the Progressive Masculinities Mentors entitled: “It’s A Love Thang” at 7 p.m. at the Student Health Center Auditorium.
A-Man uses his stature to support causes that work to end sexual assault and relationship violence. A-Men accept calls to action by attending the “100 Men Gathering Against Sexual Assault” event at 6 p.m. April 23 in the Student Health Center lobby. Hopefully you could be an A-Man who can join with A-Men in the cause to end violence against women, and I say Amen to that!
Williams is the violence prevention coordinator at the Wellness Center.
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