Too many entertainment options in our popular culture celebrate or endorse violence as an acceptable way of resolving conflict or getting what you want. In many movies today – particularly those that appeal to young men – the hero almost always uses violence to achieve a reward. In a number, violence is the central theme and is often the tool of choice for the hero to overcome adversity or challenge.
At our recent Business Breakfast, attended by over five hundred community leaders from around Canberra, we talked about the need for better role models and the work Menslink does in supporting young men across the community.
Menslink CEO Martin Fisk told the audience that “It’s not enough. It’s not enough to tell young men what they should and shouldn’t do. It’s not enough to tell young men that they shouldn’t hit their mother, their sister, their partner or their younger brother.
It’s not enough to tell young men to respect women. To tell young men not to bottle up their feelings until they explode in anger and violence against others or even against themselves.
Young men need male role models, who lead by example. Who demonstrate non-violent ways to resolve conflict, who show that being kind is more manly than being a bully, how being vulnerable can earn respect and how you can survive emotional turmoil with time, love/support and understanding.”
Former Chief of Army, David Morrison AO, encouraged the audience to rethink their perspectives on our popular culture and to look for (and be) role models that “reach out for help rather than reach out to hurt”
Click on the link to the right to view WIN News’ coverage of the event, featuring interviews with David Morrison, Martin Fisk and ACT Chief of Police Rudi Lammers.
The Canberra Times also featured the key messages about role modelling in its recent editorial Canberra Times: Poor role models for angry young men