Husbands are standing by their wives; that is the new trend. First it was gospel artist and pastor Mlaka Maliro’s open declaration that he was standing by his wife Bernadette in spite of the ‘lies’ being paraded about her. He said: “Whatever you have heard, it is just a lie. But time is coming, I will react. I will tell the world the truth. If you touch my wife, you touch me. And I will come for you.”
According to mwnation.com, Mlaka was apparently reacting to allegations made by the ECG Jesus Nation Church on Wednesday that he abandoned his role as pastor because of reported disciplinary issues involving his wife.
The statement issued by ECG Jesus Nation reads in part: “There were disciplinary issues involving Pastor Mlaka’s wife and she was summoned to appear before church directors. After noting the details of disciplinary issues his wife was summoned for, he decided to step down.”
Will Smith, an American actor, rapper and film producer was the focus at the Oscar’s Academy Awards on Sunday last week. The star slapped Chris Rock—an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and film director. He hit Rock in the face on stage after the comic made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Rock had taken aim at Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia. Smith did not take kindly to the supposed joke and he angrily asked Rock to keep his wife’s name out if his mouth. It’s all very impressive.
But why are these men getting the standing ovation by men and women alike as witnessed in social media circles for doing what women do all the time? Because they have done what two people who love each other are obliged to do, then it is all about acknowledging them?
I am impressed, really, by all the standing by wifey and all. But I have seen some women standing by their men after doing much more than cheating. They have stood by criminals, some committing even the most outrageous atrocities such as bedding their own children, in-laws, neighbours and mothers. They have stood by pathological liars and habits, some of which have compromised families, reputations and careers. And when such happens, there always has to be something in it for the women, as society interprets. Usually, it is monetary.
When a man does it, it is unconditional love and becomes instant news. When a woman does it, it is tied to material, financial or some form of gain.
I understand that the two incidents are in the public domain because of the nature of players involved. There are indeed countless men who are standing by their wives off camera. I just want to bring to everyone’s attention that women, too deserve a pat on the back each time such instances happen. Sikuti amakha akusowa kolowela (they have nowhere to go) by standing by their men. It is a simple act of love just like the men. n
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