AdCommentNational OpinionCommentNational OpinionNews HomeGood morning, Your ContentNewslettersMy saved ListAccountMy AccountLogoutNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore

TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy

PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Comment/National OpinionIt’s time for men to tackle misogynyUpdated April 16 2016 - 6:09pm, first published

4:00pmUpdated April 16 2016 - 6:09pm, first published 4:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopy Alarming incidents perpetuating sexist attitudes were prevalent in the media this week.  

tackle misogyny Facebook pages devoted to the ‘hotties’ of Australian universities, where photos of students are submitted and scrutinised were a hot topic.

“The Hotties of Melbourne University” Facebook page was closed after a female law student launched a petition claiming the page encouraged sexism and perpetuated sexual violence.

The petition accumulated more than 23,000 signatures. 

Beneath one photo of a female on the Facebook page, a male commented, "shoot me with tranquilliser right now before I go out to hunt!”.

It doesn’t get much more predatory than that. 

These pages are nothing new, and uninvited scrutiny of women’s appearances on social media is painfully commonplace. 

In other news, footage filmed secretly of University of New South Wales’ Phillip Baxter College residents on a “Boys’ Night Out” featured a throng of males roaring crude chants.

The explicit lyrics that described disturbing different ways which they’d dominate women were loaded with disrespect.

If I was innocently walking down a street at night and came across a pack of males screaming such things, I’d be horrified. 

Again: These chants, nothing new.

To think such chants are common around educational institutions is disgusting and disturbing. 

For educated male university students attending a co-educational institution, blaming a pack mentality doesn’t cut it anymore. 

The outraged boys’ night attendees who leaked the footage to the media were motivated to reveal behaviour symptomatic of a toxic culture. 

Most men know sexist behaviour is wrong, so it’s time they take a stand. 

When sexist jokes or derogatory slurs are thrown around, simply don’t laugh and don’t reward them a supportive response. 

Anti-domestic violence group White Ribbon admirably encourages men to “be an active bystander”.

Simply denouncing a sexist comment or act can catalyse the end of the incident, and perhaps some self-reflection by the perpetrator. 

Many, many men don’t actively engage in sexist behaviour or hold misogynistic attitudes, but understanding the extent of sexism’s severity is bequeathed to females.

Watching a male friend’s eyes widen when recounting countless encounters of fear-evoking groping or harassment has become an increasingly common occurrence as I’ve gotten older.  

We need to raise boys who understand sexism, won’t perpetrate or perpetuate it, and will willingly defend women against it.

Sexism shouldn’t be regarded as a “women’s issue” – it’s a severe societal problem that everyone has a role in addressing and eradicating. 

The people that leaked footage of those disgusting chants may have been quiet in the moment, but their act afterward started a necessary national conversation. 

Any time I sit with a group of women and the subject of sexism comes up, every female has countless examples to share. 

Ranging from belittling remarks the perpetrator probably perceived as innocuous, to grossly violent and traumatising abuse, a sense of helplessness always permeates these round table chats. 

It’s time that came to an end. 

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from National OpinionThis deal was bad from the start. Now is our chance to get outNo commentsSydney, I loved you but now I see what you really

areRoundtables aren't really necessary. But productivity serves a higher purpose for ChalmersNo commentsYes, audiences have changed. But this is destroying a core tenet of newsNo commentsHow

Australia's 'no-worries' approach has led our nation's defence astrayNo commentsTassie stadium plan is a lot of bread for a circusNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News