How Can Social Media Affect our Fight Against Gender-Based Violence?

  

This year on social media, a trend has spread wherein individuals affirm aspects about themselves related to nationality or interests, followed by a series of connected statements. These short videos aim to entertain and sometimes provoke thought by addressing prejudices or stereotypes in our society. However, some have used this trend to perpetuate stereotypes about feminism. Upon witnessing this, I was shocked and pondered why many women proudly reject feminism. Is it considered 'cool' not to be a feminist? Could they have been influenced by patriarchal upbringing that discouraged such beliefs? I concluded that these women may not understand the accurate definition of feminism as outlined in the dictionary, indicating societal alienation.

Consider the impact such sentiments could have on young girls; they could undermine years of progress towards independence and social empowerment. Misinformative content acts as societal wounds, poisoning minds. Equally concerning are the comments below these videos, where some express disinterest, but the majority echo similar sentiments, perpetuating harmful ideas. 

Unfortunately, another trend threatens to exacerbate societal issues, particularly regarding gender-based violence. Some individuals on social media employ the phrase "Not All Men" as a mantra in discussions about gender-based violence and femicide. This attempt to separate violent men from non-violent ones is flawed; there's no guarantee that those who claim innocence won't perpetrate violence in the future. By doing so, men rationalize their behavior and falsely absolve themselves of responsibility. The fight against gender-based violence concerns everyone, not just women.

Men who oppose such violence must ask themselves: what can I do? The answer lies in taking responsibility and channeling energy into action rather than justification. This could involve intervening in instances of verbal or physical violence, supporting women in difficult situations, or challenging inappropriate behavior towards women. The crucial realization is that men's actions carry weight and contribute to societal change. 

However, many cis-hetero men resign themselves to inaction, believing societal change is unattainable. By prioritizing their innocence, they become complicit in perpetuating patriarchy. True progress requires collective effort from men and women, working together to dismantle inequality and prevent further harm.

Before sharing or endorsing content on social media, it's essential to critically evaluate it. Reading and comparing comments can offer diverse perspectives and help discern the accuracy of the content. By combatting ignorance, we take the first step towards realizing a society founded on principles of equality and respect for all individuals. This vision is not utopian if we collectively strive to make it a reality.

Today's Blogger

Hello there! I'm Giorgia Masi, and my heart belongs to reading, especially poetry. Writing and immersing myself in music are my passions, as I believe in the magic of words and the beauty of melodies, just like the lyrics from Jung Kook's 'Seven' say: "every hour, every minute, every second, seven days a week."