At Humber, we recognize that we all have a responsibility in preventing and addressing sexual violence. Sexual violence is rooted in gender-based violence, and so men may feel that it is a "women's issue"; however, we acknowledge that men must also take action and hold one another accountable. The Survey on Individual Safety in the Postsecondary Student Population (Statistics Canada, 2019) found that men were less likely to view unwanted sexualized behaviours as harmful, twice as likely to think people are too offended by unwanted sexualized behaviours, and the perpetrators of unwanted sexualized behaviours are more often men.
The Men Seeking Change working group encourages men to reflect on behaviours that could cause harm to others and to intervene when they see these behaviours happening. We will be sharing examples of inappropriate behaviours and ways men could intervene in these behaviours over March and April as a reminder to take action and maintain our culture of respect.
Unhealthy Behaviour: Inappropriate sexual comments about appearance or body.
Example: Aaron (he/him) is in the lunchroom at work with Jasmine (she/her), and overhears James (he/him) tell her, “Hey Jasmine, I love the way that skirt fits you.” Aaron continues eating.
What could Aaron have done differently?
Aaron could have addressed the comment directly, or taken James aside and explained that the comment, even if intended as a compliment, could make Jasmine uncomfortable since it is focused on her body and is objectifying.
Example: Kyle (he/him) is watching the women’s volleyball team practice. Kyle, who has admired Hayley (she/her) for many years, makes a remark to Harold (he/him) about how sexy she is looking and how big her butt is. Harold feels uncomfortable, but says nothing.
What could Harold have done differently?
Harold could have let Kyle know that even if Hayley cannot hear him, these comments are inappropriate; Hayley or other people could have overheard and felt uncomfortable by the comment and Kyle should stop.
