Toxic Masculinity in Australia
CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL GENDER
ROLESTAKES A BRAVE CONVERSATION
The #MeToo movement began an important and sorely needed conversation about sexism, gendered violence, and toxic masculinity in Australia. For some, this conversation couldn’t come soon enough, while others still struggle to understand why it is needed.
The nature of privilege is it’s invisible to those who have it, yet feels like oppression when it’s taken away. It’s perhaps this reality that has lead to such heated perspectives in this conversation, people either talking past each other, or not talking at all. The sad reality is that as a result, change isn’t happening as fast as it should. And that affects both men and women.
THE EFFECTS
Effects on Women:
1 woman per week is murdered by her current or former partner
1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence
85% of Australian women have been sexually harassed
Effects on Men:
1 in 5 young men experience anxiety or depression by the age of 18
Men have higher rates of dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol
Suicide is the leasing cause of death for men younger than 25
Men After #MeToo
In this workshop we explore key issues of gender in an open, inclusive and respectful manner to explore how to be a good bloke in a world after #MeToo.
Whilst most contemporary men and teenage boys are compassionate, empathetic and ethical, recent examples show toxic masculinity in Australia remains an urgent problem.
We live in a world where women and girls have to police their behaviours, feelings, choices and thoughts on where to go, what to wear and who to be around as a result of their constant fear of sexual assault. The fact that men don’t have to think about this at all is a privilege, and one few men are aware of.
But we don’t live in this world because it is full of bad and evil men. We live in this world because we tolerate, normalise and excuse behaviours that are considered harmless, and in doing so, we casually condone more extreme behaviours of gendered violence, humiliation, degradation, dominance and control.
Men After #MeToo
Gilette’s “The Best a Man Can Get” ad was divisive when it was released. What do you think of it? Who gets to define what masculinity does or doesn’t mean?
By creating a positive environment of emotional and psychological safety, participants feel comfortable sharing their opinions, even the ‘politically incorrect’ ones. It’s only after people are able to open up, without fear of being shamed or blamed, that their views become malleable enough to be open to change.
We deeply engage in these complex topics by focusing on our common humanity, creating a strong sense of connection and community from which we can embrace our differences to unlock the potential for evolution and growth in all of us.
The Man Box
Is this a real man?
Don’t cry openly or express emotions (except anger or desire)
Demonstrate power and control
Protector
Self-sufficiency
Makes decisions
Acting tough
Athletic, strong & brave
Hypersexuality