Blog 4

Prompt (1a) Macho Paradox, Chapter 1

Katz presented a new idea for me in this chapter. It was an idea that I recently discovered last semester and more this semester in women studies. He talks of how rape and violence against women is a man’s issue. And this is an idea I could not agree with more! Why would it be a women’s issue to fix it, they are not the ones committing the violent acts! It was also new to hear that Katz has a group of men “whose aim is to reduce violence against women by focusing on those aspects of male culture.” This seems like the perfect solution. Men need to take action. There are more men in higher political positions who could make a change. If more men participated in this, it could be more “popular” and more men would gain interest and hopefully jump on the band wagon, and if not at least they could get educated on the topic.
It is a man’s issue. Women are not committing the crimes. Less that 1% of these crimes are committed by women according to Katz. So why has it become our problem? It frustrates me so much to hear of a rape or attempted attack, etc and you hear someone asking questions about the victim, why they were doing this or that or anything on what they were doing; why the hell don’t we ask “why the hell are these sick men raping others?” The finger needs to be pointed at the criminal not the victim.


Prompt (1a) "The Macho Paradox" Chapter 2

Chapter 2 presented some new ideas to me. And now knowing these facts, I totally agree with what Katz is saying. Katz continues to focus on how rape is a man’s problem. However he focuses on how the true facts should not be ignored. Many of us, mainly men are silent to the violence and rape that occurs so frequently in our society. We are so quick to think it is unrelated to us, or we diminish the facts and concepts that should be portrayed to the public like how most of these crimes are committed by men and men who are close to the victim, instead the media just lists the event and totally unrelates it to everything. This makes the crimes unrelateable to most making them think it is not their problem, and it lessens the intensity.

Katz states "I believe that men who are silent in the face of other men's violence-whether the silence is intentional or not-are complicit in the perpetration of that violence" (25). This was a new idea for me. This idea encompassed the entire chapter. I knew rape was a man’s problem; it is committed by men 99% of the time. I didn't realize though how much sitting in silence is adding to the crime and the lack of awareness. Doing nothing is just as bad as committing the crime. We too often make the story unrelated to us and our lives, or think "well I don't do that so it doesn't matter", but in fact it makes a huge difference. Everyone should work on standing up for whats right and should be less concerned about just themselves.

Prompt (1b) “The Macho Paradox” Chapter 4

In Chapter 4 Katz talks about listening to women. What a concept right?!?! Women are the ones who started the movements and who are getting abused. However they are not being listened too. Our culture is still very sexist and racist. Katz talks about how he wrote this book based on all the ideas and movements women started, because sadly, women were not getting the attention they deserved. But people listened to Katz, because he is a man! THAT IS RIDICULOUS! But sadly it is something that makes sense to me. You can see this concept daily and everywhere. Men are treated with more respect and are heard more than woman. If it is a man’s problem or a man speaking about it, it is suddenly more important. Katz states that men want to “tell strong, smart, vocal women to sit down and shut up-and stop complaining” (62). This is so true. It is sad that society has shaped men to need to be in control. Because of this women are suffering. Men do not like women in control and whenever a woman talks of an issue she is “complaining” but a man can really be complaining about something and he is in the right.

It is saddening to know that women are not being heard, understood, or taken seriously. Katz comments on how a rape victim was glad to have support of her close male peers, but she states that sadly it is not true for all rape victims “many of whom feel isolated and unsupported, especially by their male peers” (65). This is sad but true. Some women are not even supported by their close male peers. I know when I talk about violence against women around a lot of my male peers it seems so unimportant to them and they seem to not care. Luckily I know that if something horrible like rape happened to me, they would be behind me, but since it is “unrelated” to me so far they see it as no big deal. And sadly some women are not even taken seriously when something horrible has happened to them.

Prompt (1a) "The Macho Paradox" Chapter 5

Katz presented some new ideas to me in this chapter. I knew women are sometimes frowned upon for voicing an opinion for what is right. Ridiculous right? I know. However Katz brought up things I have never noticed, like how women who are victims of violence and speak out are often called "male-bashers" which would imply violence on their part. The victim becomes the bad guy. Also Katz mentioned how men will misinterpret things and think since they are not a rapist or their friends that all men are like that. Katz states " 'The statement 'most violent crimes are committed by men' is ofter misheard as 'most men are violent.'" (79) This quote shows just how blind our society is, or just how blind they want to be. To me it seems that most men (not all) want to ignore the fact that 99% of rapes are committed by men and that most violent crimes are committed by men as well. This ties into the whole idea of ignoring the idea and being silent, when everyone, especially men need to take a stand!

Katz also talked about how the alleged victims become alleged accusers. Like when Kobe was accused of rape, the victim wasn't heard and of course since he is famous and rich he got off. The language matters as Katz states, and the language should be turned on the criminal not the victim.


Prompt (2a) Macho Paradox, Chapter 1

The idea of violence against women being a man’s issue has become a big part of my life. I feel strongly about it. Katz mentions “Take back the Night” rallies numerous times just in chapter one, and those rallies are something I have been involved in. I can’t stand when a victim is questioned or pointed at as in the wrong in any situation and that is what our society does many times. So this subject has impacted my life, and I will be helping with the rally on our campus this year.
The idea of take back the night is for women to literally take back the night. In some countries women have a curfew because there are too many women being raped. So the idea goes like this…”why don’t the men get a curfew since they are the one committing the crimes, and the women can go out and enjoy their lives?” The men should be punished. So the women are trying to “take back the night.” There should not be limits on the victim. There should never be questions asked like “why was she out so late, what was she doing there, etc?” the questions and criticism should always be linked at the criminal. It will also focus on rape culture and the reason men commit all these crimes. This subject has really become something I am passionate about!

P.S. If I could advertise here…Take back the night rally is April 15th on Campus from 6-8:30 PM! Come out and see what it’s all about, and if you are interested on being on the committee and helping out let me know, we could always use more help! And maybe Rodger will offer extra credit if people come out?! :)