to download - Voice Male Magazine
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s<strong>to</strong>ps them from challenging sexist attitudes<br />
and behaviors. Our conforming <strong>to</strong> traditional<br />
male socialization prohibits us from<br />
confronting the abuse and objectification<br />
of women by other men. This belief system<br />
negatively impacts men and women and<br />
the ways that we raise, educate, and socialize<br />
our boys and girls.<br />
The moment we as men decide <strong>to</strong> fully<br />
accept and own our responsibility <strong>to</strong> end<br />
violence against women we will be on the<br />
road <strong>to</strong> social change. This will require<br />
courage, integrity, accountability <strong>to</strong> women<br />
and consistency through action. Women<br />
do not need for us <strong>to</strong> “rescue” or “save”<br />
them. What is needed from men is <strong>to</strong> act<br />
in appropriate and respectful ways <strong>to</strong>ward<br />
women. If men are not violent and abusive,<br />
safety will take care of itself! Once we commit<br />
<strong>to</strong> this way of life, women will not need<br />
<strong>to</strong> worry about where they go, what they<br />
wear, or if they are safe. That will be the<br />
day when we, along with our sisters, have<br />
redefined manhood so that violence is not a<br />
part of being a man.<br />
Copyright © 2005, ACT Men Inc. All rights<br />
reserved.<br />
How “Well-Meaning Men”<br />
Can Get Involved<br />
BY TONY PORTER<br />
What is a “well-meaning man?”<br />
A well-meaning man is a man who<br />
believes women should be respected. A<br />
well-meaning man would not assault a<br />
woman. A well-meaning man believes in<br />
equality for women and women’s rights.<br />
A well-meaning man honors the women<br />
in his life. A well-meaning man, for all<br />
practical purposes, is a “good guy.”<br />
We don’t need <strong>to</strong> beat up on well-meaning<br />
men, but instead <strong>to</strong> help them—help<br />
us—understand that with all our goodness,<br />
we have still been socialized <strong>to</strong><br />
maintain a system of domination, dehumanization<br />
and oppression over women.<br />
There are three key aspects of male<br />
socialization that have created, maintained<br />
and normalized violence against<br />
women:<br />
1. Men viewing women as “less than”<br />
continued on page 10<br />
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