Generation London
  • Breaking News
  • Economic
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Food
  • Interviews
  • Brexit
  • Sport
No Result
View All Result
  • Breaking News
  • Economic
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Food
  • Interviews
  • Brexit
  • Sport
No Result
View All Result
Generation London
No Result
View All Result

Men are allies not enemies in the fight against sexual exploitation

in Interviews
A A
Home Interviews

PoliticsHome marks International Men’s Day by asking outspoken Labour MP Jess Phillips how men and women can work together to confront sex abuse in Westminster.   

Two years ago Jess Phillips scoffed at Philip Davies’s suggestion that International Men’s Day should be celebrated with a discussion of men’s issues, but today she is slightly more open to the concept having agreed to a chat in her Parliamentary office.  

As a vocal advocate for women’s rights the Labour MP is often painted as anti-men, but her brand of feminism, though passionate, is not exclusive.  

“I think men can be feminists, absolutely,” she says.

“Feminism to me is about what you say, not what you do. I think that one of the things that men can do the best is, men can act as amplifiers to women’s voices and clear a space for women’s voices.”

As a mother of two boys she is all too aware of the challenges facing men in the modern world.

Hidden mental health problems, high suicides rates and shifting gender norms are changing how we see men and how they see themselves.

For Ms Philips, her normal parental fears for her children are compounded by wider social pressures.

“I worry about their role in society, about trying to bring them up to be kind, thoughtful, to have feelings, to think it’s ok to cry. I worry about their mental health terribly because I have come from a family where male mental health has been a huge problem.

“I worry about the expectations that they put on themselves to be big, strong, angry, cool, clever, funny.”

TUTUS AND TIARAS

The expectation that young men should have certain traits was expertly unpicked in the recently released book How Not to Be a Boy by comedian Robert Webb.     

Ms Phillips is a fan, declaring the work “brilliant.”

In a personal account, Mr Webb lays bare the absurdity of a childhood restricted by rigid gender rules.

“Through his own personal testimony it brilliantly tells the story about why men feel that they can’t speak about things or why the only reaction they can have is aggression and anger,” the Birmingham Yardley MP says.  

And in challenging entrenched social norms it seems that Mr Webb has an unlikely ally, after the Arch Bishop of Canterbury set out new rules designed to address transphobic bullying in schools.

In newly issued Church of England guidance, Justin Welby said boys should be allowed to wear tutus and tiaras if they choose to.  

Ms Phillips broadly agrees, but adds a note of caution, warning that “we have to be very, very careful that we don’t push our liberal ideas on our children any more than we push traditional gender attitudes.”

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Turning to the sexual harassment scandal that has engulfed politics in recent weeks, Ms Phillips is adamant that there should be no gender divide when it comes to confronting the perpetrators of abuse.

Although recent allegations have been largely brought by women in Westminster, the MP is keen that men should also feel empowered to come forward.

“Any young men, or older men that have been sexually harassed by anybody, I would absolutely encourage them to join in what appears to be a sort of global primal scream, and saying that we are not going to tolerate it any more.

“Because ultimately to me it’s about power and we are all allies together.” 

Previous Post

Tax avoidance is in the establishment’s DNA

Next Post

This is a significant moment for our woods and trees

Next Post
This is a significant moment for our woods and trees

This is a significant moment for our woods and trees

Ministers have forgotten bread and butter issues because of Brexit – Ian Blackford MP

Ministers have forgotten bread and butter issues because of Brexit – Ian Blackford MP

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Floyd Mayweather vs Don Moore live stream: Where to watch fight online and on TV

Floyd Mayweather vs Don Moore live stream: Where to watch fight online and on TV

May 18, 2022
Two-day suspension approved for Labour MP found to have bullied staff member

Two-day suspension approved for Labour MP found to have bullied staff member

May 18, 2022
20 Designer Heels That Are the Fabulous Full-Stop to Any Outfit

20 Designer Heels That Are the Fabulous Full-Stop to Any Outfit

May 18, 2022
Pregnant Kelly Osbourne ‘ecstatic’ as she announces she’s expecting first child

Pregnant Kelly Osbourne ‘ecstatic’ as she announces she’s expecting first child

May 18, 2022

  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • Contact us

No Result
View All Result
  • Breaking News
  • Economic
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Food
  • Interviews
  • Brexit
  • Sport

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT