Cute kids, ugly ads?

In Dallas, a shelter for abused women is running a series of public-service ads featuring a picture of a cute kid -- and a really provocative message, like "When I grow up, I'll beat my wife" and "One day my husband will kill me." A group of men are concerned because it makes all guys look like, well, monsters. The shelter refuses to change, though:

The Family Place, a shelter for abused women, welcomes the controversy because it welcomes the discussion.

"It wouldn't be a topic if it hadn't been provocative," said Paige Flink, Executive Director of the Family Place.

Comments

[The Golfer]

Surpirsed they have not been called sexist.

[Truth Teller]

What I've been fighting all along.
Since Domestic Abuse is a two way street with both genders equally culpable, why not show the men murdered, beaten, etc. This would be more shocking and truthful.

Funny at the top of the ad it show's a related ad for a thirty-two women sex abuser. Double standards yes. I don't think these ads are sending the right message to the public. Not just one-sided but extremely misleading. I recommend boycotting DART until the ads are either re-done or removed.

[acetheman]

Why don't they just change the picture from the kid to Larry Johnson.

[AllnADaysWork]

My brother is married to an abuser. One day I fear she will rub me the wrong way on the wrong day and It will be lights out for her. I'm just going to knock her out for good measure. And I'm sure its something my brother has been wanting to do for years. I can't stand that heffer.

[Jellybean]

I think we throw around the word "abuse" too much. Everyone tells me that I was "abused" by my ex. He was an angry and controlling jackass that said and did emotionally painful things daily. The few times he laid hands on me were minor - The first time it was even moderately bad physically, I threw him out for good (actually, had to have the Sheriff's Dept drag him out but whatever). I've never looked back - good riddance.
But, I still don't consider it "abuse" because I don't want to smudge the lines for those who are severly beaten. I just don't think real beatings from women happen to many men either. If you're wife is a controlling B - then just call it that. Save the word "abuse" so that it doesn't lose its meaning.

[Truth Teller]

I just don't think real beatings from women happen to many men either.

Murder doesn't count? And the court proceedings that puts the deceased on trial? With no chance to defend himself (whoops, he's dead) And the wrist slap that follows....

[Tom K]

Worthless people and organizations use this kind of method. It's just like the animal rights activists, and they are of the same ilk.

[Tom K]

Boycotting DART is a good idea. I don't have to pay to be abused.

[Searching]

So, noone hear believes that when you witness this behavior as a child, you grow up to do it yourself?

I think THAT is the message...

[Tom K]

There are far more intelligent ways to get the message across that lead to better solutions. Vindictiveness proves that a person is stupid.

[Truth Teller]

Well - I think searching has a point here. Victimhood is definitely a prospering proposition nowadays. If one can play the victim - purse strings, especially wallets!, are opened up and the "support" rolls right in!
Had to be learned from somewhere.

[Biggin]

All along Truth Teller, and we are fought almost every step of the way. Some very intelligent comments on this subject I must say.

[Drew]

I agree with TT on the society of self-identifying victims, but I strongly, strongly disagree that guys get it just as much as women do. I have seen hundreds of cases of dudes kicking womens' butts and comparatively very very low instances of the opposite. It does of course happen, but I think the few occurrences just create fodder for a "look, wah wah wah, it happens to us too" weak counter-argument. Just because it's true that both sides can and are guilty doesn't mean that there is not a huge disparity tilted toward male abuse.

[gh]

I think the ads have more to do with fund raising then actually helping those abused. They are offensive and stereotype all involved. They should be removed especially from PUBLIC Spaces. Even the bill board company refused to display them. Is Dart that hard up for money? The fact that $25,000 in payment was refused by the billboard companies should have been a clue to their offensiveness! :-(

PS. You can be Right and still be WRONG!

[Truth Teller]

Drew - I hope you never have to walk a step, let alone, a mile in the shoes of a battered male victim.

[Mark G Hansel]

These people are sick in the head at Family Place who made the ad's and as far as I am concerned Dart bus service knows full well any ad's that generate monies, "is all it matters", even if they know the ad's are promoting hate crimes, It just another act of terrorism being used in the community by those who have make a living of hate, by using propaganda and generate mass fear-mongering on the general public.

[Mark Hansel]

These people are sick in the head at Family Place who made the ad's and as far as I am concerned Dart bus service knows full well any ad's that generate monies, "is all that matters", even if they know the ad's are promoting hate crimes. It just another act of terrorism being used in the community by those who have make a living off using hate crimes. This is just propaganda by family place for them to generate mass fear-mongering on the general public.

[anthony]

Feminist inspired ad. The National Organization for Women would be proud!