Response to: Safe Boys, Safe Schools

This article discusses the need for boys to remain in the 'box' of masculinity. There is a contrast between weak and strong. Many boys feel pressure to be strong, both physically and emotionally, which can lead to emotional detachment. Emotional detachment is the key factor in allowing violence to occur. Once the aggressor is removed from the sentiments of the victim, it is easier for them to commit acts of aggression (such as sexual harassment, verbal disrespect, etc.). Many boys develop homophobia, a fear of femininity, as a strategy to keep them in the 'box'. The idea of homophobia expands further than a simple fear of homosexuality, and this fear is experienced universally by boys. The idea of homophobia is not battled in many school. Boys who are not seen as masculine "jocks" are harassed as "homos" or "rejects." This harassment is probable cause for many of the school shootings, as the "rejects" see a need to prove their manliness through violence.

Some schools are working now to give boys an opportunity to find positive male role models (who differ from the violent men often portrayed in the media). This occurs through programs like Men Helping Boys with Choices. Schools in Scotland has banned the use of homophobic words such as "sissy" from schools.

In my opinion, I agree with that homophobia is present in many teenage boys. When my boyfriend, Justin, and I first started dating (at age 16), there was a bi-sexual boy who had a thing for Justin. This "crush" bothered Justin to no end. He was terrified that others were going to associate him with being gay or feminine (even though he was dating me?). I used to tease him about the "crush" as a way of pushing his buttons (and because I found it ridiculous). Looking back, I should have talked to Justin on a more serious level about what was going on to help him relieve his insecurities instead of making jokes like other people did...

I really like how the schools in Scotland are banning the use of homophobic words in schools. This is a really positive start to changing the outlook of masculinity (and possibly even increasing the acceptance of homosexuality).