Since I have been in Higher Education there is a lot of discussion about women and the topic of sexual violence. The modern-day statistics state that at least one in four women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime (rainn.org). However, the most effective pattern that has been seen to combat this issue most effectively is surprisingly not other women educating women but actually men educating men.
However, since this topic is such a sensitive one, it is difficult to find ways for men to be educated about it without causing men to feel blamed. Therefore, the question I pose to you, is this:
In what ways do you think advocates against sexual violence can effectively and engagingly educate men about their part in preventing and stopping sexual violence against men and women?
Please watch this video before responding as it provides an interesting perspective on this topic.
http://www.ted.com/talks/tony_porter_a_call_to_men.html
The problem with men is that we're inherently stubborn. We're withdrawn. We're quiet. Mostly. We're taught that "being a man" means not talking about "feelings" or getting too emotional.
ReplyDeleteThat's all well and good so long as nothing ever happens to us.
The most effective way to reach out to men in this situation is to retrain how we think. It might be too late for men of a certain age but we can help ensure that the next generations of men aren't too scared to talk about uncomfortable topics and admit that we're hurt.
I think early education is key. Teach children what sexual violence is and what the consequences are. Sure it may not be a comfortable topic but would you rather talk to your kids before it happens and possibly avoid it or AFTER it happens?
Charles,
DeleteI would agree that men are stubborn and that early education is definitely the key to addressing this issue. What did you think of the video?
How do you think we can integrate this preventive education into the college atmosphere? Or do you think that it is too late to educate young men about this by the time they reach college-age?
Thanks for your post!
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posing such an intriguing prompt. I truly believe, from both personal experience myself, and from working with a highly-masculine sect of students, that men teaching men is a strong start. The general feeling of guilt and fault all men get when learning about sexual violence can often be prevented when a man is presenting the subject, often opening up the floor for a more honest discussion. I enjoyed the video you recommended, and the most critical point I gathered from Mr. Porter was "don't act like a man". Masculinity and the framework set forth by the archaic male stereotypes are a topic of study in the fraternity world, and provide good examples of this charge. Fraternities provide an opportunity for men to be men together, living out the epitome of all things masculine. In this same sense, men leading by example and teaching is the most hopeful way in which a message regarding sexual violence can be most effectively conveyed.
Great prompt, Rachel!
Elliott,
DeleteThank you for your enthusiastic and informative post! I could not agree more with you on benefits of fraternity living and the way it can be used to develop young men into tools of prevention of sexual violence!
I also greatly appreciate your response to Mr. Porter's defining statement. His view is one that transcends the traditional view of masculinity and makes way for change!
Great response!
Thanks!