Starship Captain Talks About Spousal and Child Abuse

[tampa24]

This story combined my love of the Star Trek franchise along with a timely message about the human condition. Patrick Stewart (alias Captain Picard of the Starship Enterprise) spoke at a Star Trek convention and took questions from the audience. An impromptu question from a fan took an amazing and unexpected turn. Stewart addressed domestic abuse and shared the story of how his mother and siblings suffered as he grew up in the 40's and onward. While the video quality itself is only average, the message he conveys to the audience there, and to the world at large, makes some captivating and thought provoking points.

 

[peterh6308]

Thank you so much for sharing this tampa. We all must be aware of these situations that go on all over the world. In other countries, in all states, in every city and in our own neighborhoods. I grew up in a physical and verbal abusive home, and return a couple of my sisters have had abusive realtionships over the years and now recently one of my nieces has come out to our family that she too is being abused. This aweful "disease" however it starts in individual families is indeed inheritable. It breaks down the persons self worth, respect and can lead to severe depression. I had issues in my mid teens to early twenties as being a "hot head" and one of my brothers physically abused his first wife. We as a family have helped each other over the years overcome some very bad times. I think like any other addiction, we all know someone who is being abused or we at least suspect it. It is our responsibility to step up as friends, lovers or family to do what we can to save these victims.

 

[tampa24]

I'm glad that you found this as moving and as timely as I did Peter. Domestic violence affects so many households and yet there is still such a stigma about reporting it or sharing the "secret" with others.

 

[mikeyank]

Thank you so much for sharing this tampa. We all must be aware of these situations that go on all over the world. In other countries, in all states, in every city and in our own neighborhoods. I grew up in a physical and verbal abusive home, and return a couple of my sisters have had abusive realtionships over the years and now recently one of my nieces has come out to our family that she too is being abused. This aweful "disease" however it starts in individual families is indeed inheritable. It breaks down the persons self worth, respect and can lead to severe depression. I had issues in my mid teens to early twenties as being a "hot head" and one of my brothers physically abused his first wife. We as a family have helped each other over the years overcome some very bad times. I think like any other addiction, we all know someone who is being abused or we at least suspect it. It is our responsibility to step up as friends, lovers or family to do what we can to save these victims.

I really appreciate your opening up to us Peter, about the struggles you and your family have gone through.

And this information helps me to understand you better, for I marvel at how even handed you are on the forum, always exhibiting The Patience Of Job, and being totally non confrontational in offering your opinions. I now understand that you have made a concerted effort to avoid the trappings of your youth when you called yourself a "hot head", at that point in your young life. I do understand how difficult it can be to break the negative chains that we inherit.

You are a very good man, Peter, (and I'm not just saying this because of your exquisite taste in men, exhibited by your lovely avatar ).

 

[joninliverton]

I'm sure a lot of us members have experiences of abuse whether it be physical or mental - each is as bad. Even if we havnt personally been abused I bet we know of close friends that have. It's not nice and it's not fair.

 

[grace17]

Thank you so much for sharing this tampa. We all must be aware of these situations that go on all over the world. In other countries, in all states, in every city and in our own neighborhoods. I grew up in a physical and verbal abusive home, and return a couple of my sisters have had abusive realtionships over the years and now recently one of my nieces has come out to our family that she too is being abused. This aweful "disease" however it starts in individual families is indeed inheritable. It breaks down the persons self worth, respect and can lead to severe depression. I had issues in my mid teens to early twenties as being a "hot head" and one of my brothers physically abused his first wife. We as a family have helped each other over the years overcome some very bad times. I think like any other addiction, we all know someone who is being abused or we at least suspect it. It is our responsibility to step up as friends, lovers or family to do what we can to save these victims.

Peter, I'm so sorry your early life was filled with violence and sadness. Thank God the way domestic abuse is perceived is slowly changing for the better.

I'm not being trite here, but I firmly believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...and in your case Peter, also a lovely, non-judgmental human being.