Something interesting is happening. Harvey Weinstein was the king of Hollywood. The King. He was also a bully that used his male power and privilege to harass and abuse women. His behavior was allowed to persist for years. Until now. Someone said something, and then someone else said something. Suddenly, a bigger conversation is happening. Why did it take years, decades, so many women impacted? Why are there so many examples, just like this one, in the worlds of politics, sports, families, and corporate environments? Let's make sure we keep this conversation going.
Meet the boys and girls from Maine.
Thousands of young people in Maine have worked with Maine Boys to Men and could talk with Harvey about the realities of male power and privilege, what empathy and emotional connectedness with others means, why gender equity in relationships is a good thing for everybody. They could talk with The Men Who Kept Harvey Weinstein Safe about what it means to be an ally; to stand up with women and girls to stop these actions before they become violent. They could explain the power that bystanders have and describe specific ways to disrupt sexist, disrespectful, and abusive behaviors long before they get to this point. In short, Harvey and so many others could learn a lot from the boys and girls from Maine!
A recent evaluation of our middle school Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP), led by the University of New Hampshire, demonstrated a significant decrease in the endorsement of attitudes supporting male power and privilege, a self- reported increase in emotional awareness, and a significant increase in the endorsement of gender equity in relationships! Multiple 3rd party evaluations of RSVP for High School, including a two-year study by the Maine Center for Public Health, showed that RSVP changes attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about sexism, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence. Participants leave with a greater willingness to play an active role in disrupting situations that can lead to violence. Seems like Hollywood needs our Reducing Sexism and Violence Program.
Come see our upcoming screening of The Mask You Live In (see trailer here) that explores elements of our culture that lead to these disrespectful and abusive behaviors. The film follows boys and young men as they navigate societal pressures that lead to harmful
and violent outcomes. Maine Boys to Men will host a community conversation immediate following each film screening.
At Maine Boys to Men, we're proud to be doing this work everyday at no-cost to participants. Please consider a donation today to support this important work!