A call to men to start a movement to stop violence against women...

Carlos Andrés Gómez, a popular advocate for women's rights, writes a very important article for The Guardian entitled, "Men: We Can Start A Movement to Stop Violence Against Women". He discusses a new campaign called "Be That Guy" started by a human rights organization 'Breathrough' encouraging men to speak up when they notice violence against women in any and every form. Gómez argues that men unfortunately usually have an unspoken pact with one and other. It's a don't ask, don't tell kind of phenomenon. Men stick together, right? Gómez says that needs to change. If men can step up and report violence instilled by other men against women, Gómez believes we would really start seeing some changes in a positive direction on this issue. Challenging male conformity should be the priority, and Gómez argues that even if it risks friendships, acquaintances, and relations with other powerful males, there needs to be a shift towards speaking up for women who are potentially to frightened to speak up for themselves. Gómez explains that he does not intend to regress to traditional forms of chivalry to necessarily "protect" women, but rather that the way to go about combatting this issue is by keeping each other (meaning male peers) in check and accountable for their actions. Gómez uses a lot of evidence including many personal anecdotes detailing interactions with other males when he has been confronted with violent, aggressive, or demeaning language and sometimes even actions towards women, and how he has attempted to engage in dialogue with his male counterparts in such situations. Gómez writes a truly honorable piece. He is not on some high horse or pedestal trying to separate himself from male conformity and aggression but rather is a pioneer leading his peers in important dialogue to increase awareness and compassion among men about these problems. It's really refreshing to see a male speaking out in support of women to other males. Gómez contests that using words like "bitch" even when referring to other males is just perpetuating the problem. I say, job well done!

Read the article here