If you're stuck in an old groove or blindly following popular stereotype, you'll probably believe that the Caribbean man doesn't talk much - unless liquor flowing and the talk is loud, aggressive and full of braggadocio. Well, I'm here to tell you otherwise. I tune in regularly to some deeply reflective and respectful discussions with, by and about the Caribbean man.

Of course, sparks fly sometimes yes, and some of the interventions occasionally provide more heat than light. And there's one particular contributor who tends to deliver some long-winded dissertations with plenty-plenty big words, so reading his views becomes a major 'job'. But for the most part the talk is earnest, enlightening and engaging, and the key thing is that it's happening. And guess where it's happening nuh? Right there on Facebook! Yes, I said Facebook!

Yeah man, I know there are many diehard detractors and disillusioned users who disparagingly refer to Facebook as 'Fake book', and for justifiable reasons. After all, almost everybody I know is familiar with at least one obviously unwell person whose profile, personality and lived reality is nowhere near the fictitious one they create and promote on the popular social media site. I feel, however, that such cases represent the exception rather than the rule.

If you have time to look, one can still find some worthwhile content on Facebook. Yes, friends, amid the incessant infantile rants, shameless self-promotion and embarrassing exposures that are part of the expected Facebook fare, one is still able to encounter inspirational sharing, useful information and valuable discussions. And one of the places I've definitely found that is the Facebook group site called 'Caribbean Man'.

The site is an initiative of CariMAN (the Caribbean Male Action Network) and has a short, uncomplicated self-description. It says simply "This is a space for Caribbean men to talk about who we are, who we want to be, and what that means for our future". The musings cover a range of issues and allow for the sharing of divergent theories, experiences, concerns, vibes, views and visions. Images and ideas about masculinity, parenting problems and the treatment of men by the family court systems are just some of the topic that have been woven into colourful debates on endless conversation threads on the Caribbean man group page in recent days.

I have to really big up people like Colin Robinson, Sven Grant, Robert Moultrie, Kwame Anderson Joefield and all the other contributors who frequently fuel the discussions with their thought-provoking words. One young contributor with the Facebook name "ItsNot Adominic" initiated some really refreshing reflections recently, when he posted the following questions "... How important are uncles and grandfathers in the lives of young people in the region? What are your memories of your uncle/grandfather? How does this compare to memories of your named father?" The conversation that ensued was an uplifting and refreshing piece of personal sharing that CariMAN Chairman Dr Peter Weller described aptly thus: "This feels real, man .Real man!"

You'll also learn from this group page, that the regional gender dialogue continues on other fronts. For example a forum is being organised in Dominica for October 29 - November 2, to among other things, promote dialogue and consciousness-raising around the themes of gender and masculinity/manhood, share strategic approaches and mechanisms for work with men and boys as partners in the achievement of gender equality and the elimination of violence against women, and foster greater commitment to the principles of gender equality.

Yeah, Caribbean man is talking, but we're not asking you to shut up and listen, we're inviting you join up and share. So brethren, log on at http://www.facebook.com/groups/CariMAN/ and join the vibrant conversation!

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