It is understood that a gentleman is no gentleman, if he has to beat you to prove a point. Licks as we call it in Trinidad and Tobago, is a form of punishment used by the slavers to control wilful behaviour or just for entertainment. In 2015, we still have a formidable amount of men who see themselves as privileged and entitled to beat up on women.
They do not see themselves as inadequate or starved of basic intellect. The frightening thing is that some of these men are high achievers. The excuse that it is only the poor or uneducated who resort to violence is untrue. Is this part of our culture?
The violence is occurring in Trini homes across our multi ethnic divide. The only difference is that we are unsure if the Indo Trinidadian men beat more than the Afro Trinidadian men.
As a single woman (single by design) I have often wondered if local culture dictates that if one is unmarried, not living with somebody or not having any children, does it make you ugly in your own eyes or those of the general public?
Is this the prime reason that some women put up with the pain and humiliation? Some even opt for having children that they cannot feed, ostensibly just to prove that they are special to some one.
In Trinidad and Tobago women are choosing slavery of the mind and body in order to dress, look pretty, and be given a car. So what is a little bit of licks between friends?
I remain single because I am seeking intelligent conversation without any mental and physical violence. You must be able to beat me only at scrabble, like reading, a bit of travelling and be interested in both Trini and world politics. Especially the politics. Please, absolutely no licks.
Lynette Joseph
Via e-mail