Guest Speaker

Today's speaker was really interesting. I would never have thought that making plays of real abusive events would help heal peoples' relationships. The video of Sonia and Louis was very heartfelt and moving. Usually men do not admit that they are wrong in abusing women let alone want to change! Although they are probably in the minority, it is encouraging to see that people really want to change their abusive ways. I can't imagine being taught that abuse is okay and being abused myself. It is obvious to us that abuse is wrong and needs to be stopped but to people who are raised with abuse and taught that it is okay, how are they to know that it is wrong? To me it is very admirable that Sonia and Louis have the will power to change and "break the cycle." I hate to be the pessimist but it almost seems too good to be true. It is hard to believe that someone can change so completely, especially so late in life. I would like to see whether he is still abusive today and whether their family is as loving as it should be. Also, is Sonia staying really helping to break the cycle? It seems counter intuitive. Wouldn't leaving him and proving  that she does not have to live that way help to break the cycle? Her staying makes the behavior seem forgivable but it isn't. Someone who is beaten repeatedly has no obligation to the abuser! She should take her children and advocate for abused women not stay with him! Well..I take back wanting to watch the prison video. I don't feel bad for people who have killed people. The laws haven't changed. Everyone knows the repercussions of murdering another person. What else is society to do with murderers? You can't honestly expect an audience to feel remorse for these people! I can't help but think of the victims. What if it were me? A friend? Could I feel anything for the perpetrator? No I don't think I could. I have become a bit more sympathetic over the years but this is an area that is just too black and white, cut and dry, right and wrong. I appreciate the speaker's perspective but I can't say that I quite understand it.