Men have been spotted sporting a single painted fingernail, and it’s not just a fashion statement – it’s for a noble cause. Some men choose to paint one or more fingernails on each hand, each with a color of their choice. While some may go a step further and add designs, the underlying message remains the same.
This trend started in Australia but has quickly made its way to the United States, thanks to the efforts of compassionate men. One such man is Elliot Costello, who was deeply moved by his encounter with a young girl named Thea while traveling with Hagar International.
During their time in Cambodia, Elliot and his group aimed to bring positive change to the lives of the local people. However, it was Thea who left an indelible mark on Elliot’s heart. As he spent time with her, he discovered that she had been a victim of sexual abuse.
In a touching gesture, Thea painted one of Elliot’s nails, and he reciprocated by painting one of hers. He made a promise to Thea that he would always keep that nail painted to remember her and the suffering she endured. This encounter was a profound catalyst for Elliot, inspiring him to create the Polished Man project.
The Polished Man project challenges men to paint one nail for a week, symbolizing the one in five children who will become victims of sexual violence. By participating, men become #PolishedMen and join the fight against sexual violence towards children.
Elliot’s organization, Polished Man, aims to end this violence by encouraging men to confront and challenge violent behavior and language, both in their local communities and on a global scale. As men are responsible for 96% of child sexual abuse cases worldwide, Elliot believes that men must be at the forefront of this necessary change.
However, the goal is not for people to simply notice a man with a painted nail. Instead, Elliot hopes that it sparks conversations about the unfortunate reality of child abuse, leading to new ideas and solutions. He also hopes that these discussions may prompt donations to support educational programs and resources for child abuse survivors.
So, the next time you see a man with one painted fingernail, take a moment to engage in conversation. Let’s raise awareness and work together to end the abuse of innocent children. Share this article with your family and friends to spread the message. Together, we can make a difference.
