Violence against women—it's a men's issue: Jackson Katz at TEDxFiDiWomen
TEDx Talks・18 minutes read
Joseph Geni emphasizes the necessity for men to engage in discussions about gender violence, recognizing it as a collective issue rather than solely a women's concern, and advocates for transformative change in how boys are socialized and perceive manhood. He highlights the importance of the bystander approach in preventing violence, encouraging individuals to challenge inappropriate behaviors and foster a culture of accountability within their communities.
Insights
- Joseph Geni emphasizes that gender violence is not solely a women's issue but also a men's issue, urging men to engage actively in discussions and take responsibility for addressing these problems. He argues that recognizing men's roles in these conversations is essential to foster a collective understanding and accountability that can help combat gender violence effectively.
- Geni advocates for a transformative approach to how boys are socialized and how society defines manhood, highlighting the need for leadership training for men in influential positions. By equipping men with the tools to challenge sexist behavior and promoting a culture of accountability, he believes that significant progress can be made in preventing gender violence and fostering healthier relationships.
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Recent questions
What is gender violence prevention?
Gender violence prevention refers to strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating violence based on gender. This includes addressing the root causes of such violence, which often stem from societal norms, power imbalances, and cultural attitudes that perpetuate harmful behaviors. Effective prevention efforts involve engaging both men and women in discussions about gender roles and responsibilities, fostering awareness of the issue, and promoting healthy relationships. By encouraging individuals to recognize their roles as bystanders and advocates, gender violence prevention seeks to create a collective responsibility to challenge and change the narratives surrounding violence, ultimately leading to safer communities.
How can men help prevent gender violence?
Men can play a crucial role in preventing gender violence by actively engaging in conversations about the issue and challenging harmful behaviors within their social circles. This includes speaking out against sexist remarks, supporting victims, and holding peers accountable for their actions. By confronting other men about degrading comments and promoting a culture of respect, men can help shift societal attitudes that normalize violence. Additionally, men can participate in leadership training that emphasizes the importance of addressing and correcting inappropriate behavior in various settings, such as sports or workplaces. By taking a stand and demonstrating moral integrity, men can contribute significantly to the prevention of gender violence and foster healthier relationships.
What is the bystander approach?
The bystander approach is a strategy in gender violence prevention that encourages individuals to see themselves as potential interveners in situations where violence may occur. Rather than categorizing people strictly as victims or perpetrators, this approach emphasizes collective responsibility, urging everyone to take action when they witness abusive behavior. It promotes the idea that silence can be interpreted as complicity, and that individuals have the power to interrupt harmful actions and support those affected. By equipping people with the tools and confidence to intervene, the bystander approach aims to create a culture where abusive behavior is challenged and deemed unacceptable, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for all.
Why is male engagement important in gender issues?
Male engagement in gender issues is vital because it helps to dismantle the perception that these issues are solely women's concerns. When men actively participate in discussions about gender violence, they can challenge the status quo and promote a more inclusive dialogue that recognizes the role of men in both perpetuating and preventing violence. Engaging men encourages them to reflect on their own behaviors and societal norms that contribute to gender violence, fostering a sense of responsibility. Moreover, men often communicate messages that resonate differently with their peers, making their involvement crucial in changing attitudes and behaviors. By stepping up, men can support women and contribute to transformative change in societal perceptions of gender roles.
What role do institutions play in preventing gender violence?
Institutions, particularly educational settings like colleges and universities, play a significant role in preventing gender violence by implementing policies and training programs that address the issue. They are responsible for mandating domestic and sexual violence prevention training for students and staff, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to violence. Leadership within these institutions, such as athletic directors and university presidents, must prioritize these initiatives and hold individuals accountable for fostering a safe environment. By creating a culture of awareness and responsibility, institutions can significantly contribute to the prevention of gender violence and support the development of healthier relationships among students and staff.
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Summary
00:00
Men's Role in Gender Violence Prevention
- Joseph Geni expresses gratitude for being part of a program focused on gender violence prevention, acknowledging the significant contributions of women in this field and emphasizing the importance of recognizing their leadership across various levels.
- Geni challenges the perception that gender violence issues are solely women's issues, arguing that they should be recognized as men's issues as well, to encourage greater male engagement and responsibility in addressing these problems.
- He highlights the tendency of men to disengage from discussions labeled as "women's issues," which can lead to a lack of awareness and understanding of gender violence, thereby perpetuating the problem.
- Geni draws an analogy between gender and race, explaining that just as dominant racial groups often overlook their own identity, men similarly fail to recognize their role in gender issues, which contributes to the invisibility of men's responsibility in discussions about violence.
- He illustrates how language can shift focus away from male perpetrators in domestic violence scenarios, using the example of sentence structure to show how passive voice can obscure the actions of men, leading to victim-blaming narratives.
- Geni emphasizes the need to shift the focus of questions from victims, like Mary, to perpetrators, like John, asking why men commit acts of violence and what societal factors contribute to this behavior.
- He discusses the systemic nature of gender violence, arguing that it is not just about individual perpetrators but involves broader societal institutions, including religious beliefs, sports culture, and family structures, that contribute to the normalization of abusive behavior.
- Geni advocates for transformative change by encouraging a re-examination of how boys are socialized and how definitions of manhood are constructed, which can lead to healthier outcomes in relationships and reduce violence.
- He calls for more men to actively participate in the conversation about gender violence, stating that men can often communicate messages that resonate differently than when women speak out, thus playing a crucial role in challenging the status quo.
- Geni introduces the bystander approach to gender violence prevention, which reframes the issue by viewing everyone as potential bystanders who can intervene, rather than strictly categorizing individuals as perpetrators or victims, thereby fostering a collective responsibility to address and prevent violence.
11:57
Empowering Bystanders to Combat Abuse
- Individuals not directly involved in abusive relationships can play a crucial role in addressing abuse within their social circles by speaking up, challenging friends, and supporting those affected, rather than remaining silent.
- Men are encouraged to confront other men about sexist or degrading comments in informal settings, such as when playing poker, by stating, "Hey, that's not funny. That could be my sister you're talking about," to foster a culture where such behavior is deemed unacceptable.
- The bystander approach aims to equip individuals with the tools to interrupt abusive behavior and create a peer culture that views such actions as wrong, emphasizing that silence in the face of abuse can be seen as complicity.
- Leadership training, rather than sensitivity training, is essential for men in positions of power, such as coaches and managers, to address and correct sexist, homophobic, or racist comments, as these behaviors reflect poor leadership in diverse societies.
- Institutions, particularly colleges and universities, should mandate domestic and sexual violence prevention training for all student athletes and staff, with accountability resting on the leadership of athletic directors and university presidents to prioritize these issues.
- The need for men to break the silence surrounding abuse is critical, as many men care about these issues but must also demonstrate courage and moral integrity to challenge each other and support women, ultimately benefiting future generations.
