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Men are key to deradicalising young misogynists

Men must step-up to tackle misogyny.

At the Scottish Government’s debate on ways to address gender-based violence, Scottish Greens spokesperson for equality, Maggie Chapman MSP, will call on men to step up and be key to deradicalising younger generations.

Today’s debate, on the 11th day of 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, will focus on young people’s voices. Ms Chapman hopes that the Parliament will unite around a commitment to centre youth voices to build a safer future.

Ms Chapman said:

“Men are instrumental to de-escalating misogyny and deradicalising younger generations who look to their elders as role models and for guidance.

“There is a very real threat to boys and young men who are being radicalised online by predatory and influential men. Normalising such behaviours ensures patriarchal views of old are upheld.

“Misogyny reigns supreme as a means for too many to succeed in a highly-competitive but opportunity-scarce society. It is like a parasite desperately trying to keep itself alive by poisoning the hosts and telling them that their harmful treatment of women and girls is forgivable if they are successful.

“There is a dangerous mindset of being an ‘alpha’ or ‘high-value male.' This causes an ‘othering’ of anyone outside of this self-imposed identity which breeds hatred, disrespect and disregard for the safety and experiences of women and girls within their communities, and globally.

“The boys and young men who engage with misogyny and embody it will not listen to women or girls pleading to be treated as equals, but they will listen to other men.

“That is why we need to see more men stepping up and boldly calling out the harm that is being done, in real time and not only because it is their son, nephew or brother - or because they have a mother, daughter, or sister.

“Men must be ready to have the difficult conversations of what it truly means to be successful; living an authentic, compassionate life, without violence, without competition that creates division, and, most importantly, a life where women and girls feel safe in their presence.”