As much as America likes to make light�and even mock�the "oppression" of women of other cultures, the truth is that America�s disrespect of women is displayed in a culture that sees females as objects, play things and somehow less valuable than men. It isn�t surprising that violence against women is a major problem, but it is sad that again Black women are disproportionate victims of abuse.

According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, 46 percent of women who reported bouts with abuse in 1998 were Black. Yet, the center reports, most instances of abuse among Black women are not reported because of no access to telephones and no transportation to get help.

The Hon. Elijah Muhammad has taught that a nation can rise no higher than its woman and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan reminds us that the Black woman is sacred. The Holy Qur�an teaches that heaven lies at the foot of the woman.

It�s time for Black men to confront the demons of society that make us turn inward�on our women, children and each other.

Frustration, pain, disrespect and even a measure of fear are part of the daily life for Black men, who are feared by America�s power structure.

But the enemy is not our women; the enemy is our ignorance and our oppressors. When we turn on the women who bear our children, share our pain and stand by our side, the enemy laughs and our women suffer�often staying with us despite our mistreatment of them.

The pain and frustration Black males feel can never be alleviated by beating or abusing women. It is part of a self-destructive cycle. When we abuse our women, we injure and abuse ourselves and we teach our children to hate us. Then, we turn to drugs, alcohol, sex or more violence, trying to fill a void in our souls.