1 is 2 Many: Men Standing Against Sexual Assault
It is both inspiring and somewhat comical to be putting your focus in the same place as the White House. Pres. Obama and VP Biden have just released a new PSA as part of their, 1 is 2 Many campaign, including famous male actors, The President and Vice President themselves supporting and standing against sexual assault and violence towards women. It is great to see famous men standing up for women. But I can’t lie; the first thing that came to my mind was “It’s about time!”
For those of us who have worked as social workers and counselors as long as I have, this is way overdue, but a welcome campaign. 1 is 2 Many is a great slogan and happens to be true. Sexual violence or any kind of violence against women or men is just not acceptable. We are better than this. This is not a judgment about men and women who are violent, just a statement of fact. We are better than this.
1 is 2 Many – Jeremy Linn, Eli Manning and V.P. Joe Biden
Here is the new 1 is 2 Many commercial, the long version. It lasts about one minute.
1 Is 2 Many PSA Commercial
There has been a lot of criticism of the new PSA, most of the criticism surrounds the fact that it only addresses violence against women. I certainly support the criticism, but we know there is more violence against women men against men. This does not minimize or discount violence against men and boys. We know that with so much focus on supporting women in the last decade or two, our boys and young men have suffered. Again, this is not a criticism, just a statement of fact. I know there are many men that argue that feminism is about women hating men or women being against men. I am absolutely certain that is true for some feminists and women in general, but my experience tells a different story. Most feminists I have known are fighting very hard for equality and respect. They want respect for women from men and women. Truthfully, feminists are not the problem; the majority of violence against women is from men, not feminists. We know violence against women existed before feminism; we can’t blame them. As men, we are to blame and we are the ones that need to stand together. No more blaming women for our actions. A strong, confident man does not need to blame others for how he feels or what he does. Masculinity includes being accountable and responsible for yourself, friends, family and the community at large. No blaming or scapegoating.
I think Dr. Suess says is it all. Here is the older 1 is 2 Many commercial from last year.
1 is 2 Many PSA Commercial # 1 – 2013
When I was growing up, I was programmed to believe that men were protectors. I know many people today think that is archaic, but I think we are protectors. I have always felt it is my responsibility to protect the people around me; this is not a put-down of women or anybody else. For the most part, I am a nonviolent person, possibly to an extreme. I believe one can be nonviolent and still be a protector. Violence is not the only form of protection nor is it a statement that women can’t protect themselves. I feel it is my responsibility to protect humans, young and old, animals, our environment and anything that feels sacred to me. As a nonviolent man who identifies himself as a protector, I do not see a place where one can be both a protector and a perpetrator of interpersonal violence. They just don’t go together. I think the 1 is 2 Many campaign mirrors my perspective. Men that are in the public eye whether they are politicians, athletes or entertainers have the responsibility of utilizing their fame as a tool for good, I am glad the White House saw fit to them encourage men to be involved in the 1 is 2 Many program.
Jackson Katz TED Talk
I invite all men and women, to join us in support of the 1 is 2 many campaign. It is time that we stand with and for each other, men, women, boys and girls. We’ve created enough division and separation via gender, race, culture, religion and social class. Enough of separation and division, let’s figure out how to celebrate and embrace our differences. Think how boring life would be if everybody were the same!
1 is 2 Many – Jimmy Rollins, President Obama and David Beckham
I invite your thoughts on 1 is 2 Many. As always, please be respectful.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Stop Stalking and Start Talking
Slap Her – Violence Against Women
Listening as an Art and Skill to Improving Relationships
Things Your Couples Counselor Already Knows About Your Relationship
Do Something Good For Someone Else, and Don’t Get Caught – Kindness
Michael Swerdloff
Providence Holistic Counseling Services
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