Protection – A Monologue

What lies behind protectiveness? What does protection really mean?

Would you beat up someone for me? If I got hurt, would you want revenge? And why?
Nothing you do or say can change what has happened.
There is a certain helplessness about not being able to change the past. I can feel it and I imagine you feel it too. Is it because you are supposed to be responsible for me? Is it because my well-being and safety validate your existence in my life?

In that case, isn’t your protection only to prove a point about you?
To show that you’re playing your role as protector, friend, guide, lover, father, brother…so well?

And what is behind my mask of indifferent independence?

Am I too proud to admit I need help?
Am I too scared to admit I could be scared too?
Do I want you to understand that without my saying it at all?
Do I want to be protected without acknowledging the protection?

Do I want to even remember that I have been hurt?
Do I want to look at wounds that exist?
Or do I just want to look away and pretend everything is perfect?

And in the midst of all this….there are such labels as love and jealousy and commitment and security to save us from having to face reality.

Here’s what ChatGPT has to say about ‘Male protection of women’: The concept of male protectiveness of women is rooted in traditional gender roles and societal expectations that have evolved over time. It often implies that men should take on the role of protecting and caring for women in various contexts. However, it’s important to recognize that this notion has both positive and negative aspects, and it’s a topic that can be viewed differently by individuals and cultures.

Many people advocate for gender equality and challenge traditional gender roles. In healthy relationships, protection should be a mutual effort, with both partners looking out for each other. It’s important to respect individual autonomy, consent, and agency. People should be cautious not to use “protectiveness” as an excuse for controlling or condescending behaviour.