'We're looking at a future of far more widespread abuse against women and girls if we don't de-radicalise men now'

By James*, Collective Shout Supporter, UK

Radicalisation: the process whereby an individual comes to adopt increasingly radical views in opposition to the accepted norms.

Collective Shout’s primary mission is campaigning against the objectification of women and the sexualisation of girls. While we have spoken out against the objectification of men on occasion, the bulk of our time and efforts are focused on women and girls. Why?

Gone in 24 hours. But why does this keep happening?

Well that was quick.

While Collective Shout primarily focusses on the objectification of women and sexualisation of children there is growing concern that the way that men are portrayed in the media is also having negative effects.

One of the most moving experiences I have had as a speaker addressing young people around the country, took place about a year ago when a Year 11 student in a WA secondary school stood to his feet during the discussion time following my talk on how our culture shaped boys views of themselves in negative ways.

Visibly distressed, this young man recounted that his brother had just taken his life with a drug overdose, that he had been bullied every day of his life, and that he had no friends. He began to cry.

From the front of the hall where the boys were gathered, another student stood, walked to the back of the room, and hugged his crying classmate.

I had to leave the room for a while to pull myself together.

Guest post today from Melbourne-based writer Guy Sigley. Guy began his blog The World Tells Me to oppose the profit-driven sexploitation and misogyny that are so widespread in popular culture.

Guy's latest article demonstrates some of the ways men respond when sexploitation is challenged. You can read more from Guy Sigley by visiting his blog, The World Tells me.