New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
Dharma Niles, Deputy News Editor • Mar 12, 2024
A front entrance with the text “Electric Lady Studios” written in a retro white font on two reflective walls.
‘An exploitative environment’: The interns behind Electric Lady Studios
Julia Diorio, Music Editor • Feb 20, 2024

Men must take on active role in fight for gender equality

March was Women’s History Month. It allowed Americans to focus on the past and present achievements of women to understand that the current state of progress requires that we build upon momentum and move forward. If more men use their power and privilege with integrity, then less women will suffer from gender-based violence.

I am pleased that the 113th Congress managed to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. However, I am appalled to see despicable events like the recent Steubenville, Ohio rape case. In order to keep women safe from gender-based violence men need to be supportive of women in order to help prevent, interrupt and escape such high-risk situations in the first place. Men need to be allies, not perpetrators. Be vocal: Actively suppress victimization by people who wish to do harm. Be a part of the solution, not the problem. Even after such events, allies need to condemn victim-blaming and threats made to the victim.

Many people may even still have trouble defining human rights, let alone finding a government body mandated to act upon and enforce the protection of these rights. I believe women’s rights are a global legal human rights issue. The World Health Organization called for action to end violence against women. We all have the responsibility to make choices that should serve to respect and protect each other’s rights since we all share a common bond through our humanity. Men ought to feel compelled to show that their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, wives, girlfriends, sisters and daughters deserve support in the fight for freedom against violence.

The entertainment industry should present heroic male role models who cooperate and help others become better people. Instead, we typically see a male character who defeats the villain on his own and receives a reward in the form of a subservient woman who is absolutely dependent upon him. I think young men need to learn that heroism includes cooperation and compassion. It seems like our ways of teaching masculinity to young boys aren’t working, since so many women are typically victimized by men of all ages who abuse their power to control and dominate women. We need to show our sons a new definition of manhood in order to protect future generations of women. Since men are unfortunately given an unfairly privileged position in society, I urge them to exercise this extra responsibility to promote relationships based on safety, trust and the dignity and worth of every human being.

The power of words may have unintended consequences. We must choose our words carefully. Men at NYU and beyond need to take part in changing the conversation about rape and other forms of gender-based violence against men and women in America, the U.S. military and around the globe regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Matt Braman is a contributing columnist. He is also a master’s of social work candidate in the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Email him at [email protected].

Leave a comment

Comments (0)

Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted.
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *