Have you observed that the number of men with a single painted fingernail is increasing? Although this seemingly insignificant deed has a deeper message, it may only appear to be a passing trend. Let’s explore the significance of men painting one fingernail and the reasons it should be known to all.
This movement sprang from a deeply emotional meeting. The Polished Man project’s creator, Elliot Costello, met Thea, a little girl, while doing volunteer work in Cambodia. His eyes were opened to the fact that child abuse is a global problem that affects children everywhere, even in America, by this interaction.
Participating in activities that made Thea happy offered Elliot delight. One of those things occurred to be painting nails. Elliot painted one of Thea’s nails, and in a moving exchange, she painted one of his. They had no idea how much meaning this small deed would have.
Elliot learned that Thea had experienced sexual abuse. Astonished by her anguish, Elliot vowed to always carry that painted nail, which represented her sorrow, as a reminder. Elliot was so moved by this profound experience that he started the Polished Man project, which invites men to paint one fingernail every week for a week in order to become #PolishedMan. The one in five youngsters who unfortunately become victims of sexual assault is represented by this one painted nail.
Challenging violent behavior and language locally and worldwide is part of what it takes to be a #PolishedMan. Given that males conduct 96% of child abuse globally, Elliot understood the critical role men have in putting an end to this kind of violence.
It is not enough to merely notice a brilliantly colored nail and note how many youngsters are sadly being abused. That painted nail is supposed to start a dialogue and raise people’s consciousness of this depressing truth. It is hoped that by having these discussions, fresh perspectives on how to put a stop to child abuse would surface and that funds for resources and educational initiatives for child survivors will be raised.
We hope that more guys in your town will soon be seen proudly exhibiting a vibrantly colored nail as the Polished Man campaign gains momentum. Ask someone on their style if you notice them looking amazing. And if you’re a man, think about painting one of your nails in honor of all the helpless kids defending their innocence and safety. They might feel happier and know they are not forgotten simply by looking at your nail.
