Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Kaplan, Claire (cnk2r)" <>]

Jenn,

I agree that it's important to foster empathy in men, but at the same time, one must direct that empathy in a way that doesn't result in a "savior" complex.  This is why it's also critical for this conversation to include male privilege, self-examination, and a deeper understanding of the cultural and social influences that lead to this lack of empathy.  Also a warning: lack of empathy is a key ingredient for the capacity to rape.  Men who commit sexual violence are already damaged people, and they need much more structure and guidance than just a reading list, especially since it's highly likely that perpetrators are survivors themselves—if not of sexual assault, then at least of abuse and neglect as a child.  Hence the lists below.

In addition to the recommendation of the video used by The Men's Project (John Foubert is a list member, so perhaps he will respond directly to you), there are other videos and readings that may be useful:

Tough Guise (Jackson Katz—a new video is being released very soon) and the companion book, The Macho Paradox

Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity by Robert Jensen

Guyland by Michael Kimmel

Men's Work: How to Stop the Violence That Tears Our Lives Apart by Paul Kivel

Reaching Men:  Strategies for Preventing Sexist Attitudes, Behaviors and Violence by Rus Funk

Books/videos by or about survivors:

Voices of Courage (available online) Mike Domritz

Searching for Angela Shelton (viewable online) and the book: Finding Angela Shelton  by Angela Shelton

If You Read This I'll Be Dead by Janine Latus

Crash Into Me by Liz Securro

Working With Available Light: A Family's World After Violence (by Jamie Kalven, the male partner of a survivor)

I'm sure that others will have additional suggestions.

Best,

Claire

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, they send a tiny ripple of hope…These ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Robert F. Kennedy

Claire Kaplan, Ph.D.

Director, Sexual & Domestic Violence Services

UVA Women's Center

(434) 982-2774 Voice

(434) 982-2901 Fax

http://womenscenter.virginia.edu/sdvs.php

Follow me on Twitter at @clairskyk

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