2 May

In a week dominated by the question of violence against women, the Council of Europe provides an excellent summary on the topic. “There is no single factor that can explain gender-based violence in our societies, but rather a myriad of factors contribute to it, and the interplay of these factors lies at the root of the problem.” Social media is trying to force societies to see only one of these factors. Models of masculinity, what the Council puts under ‘cultural’ factors in the 4 bottom boxes. It’s only one tiny part of the story. Social media LOVES gender wars. Before we go out and try to deprogram boys and men of their toxic masculinity, something the majority of them don’t even have or support in any way, we need to assess this issue, like all issues, with calm attention to the actual specifics.