Behavioural science shows that people are most likely to listen to their peers - people they know, trust, and relate to. That’s why it is important for men to talk about this abusive behaviour within their friends, so that it can be called out in a way that is educational and encourages a change in attitudes.
It’s important that care is taken when calling out abusive behaviour, to ensure this happens in a way that is safe for everyone involved. If you feel you would be putting yourself in danger by calling out a situation, you should not do so, and there are other ways you can show that you don’t support this behaviour.
Below are some tips to call out harmful behaviour without humiliating or shaming, or escalating the situation:
- Don’t feel pressured to laugh along to sexist conversations or ‘banter’
- Change the subject
- Find an opportunity to talk about it with the person away from other people
- Walk away, don’t engage with the inappropriate comments or conversation
- Get used to saying ‘that’s not okay’ when you hear sexist jokes from friends, family and colleagues
- Ask curious questions like ‘what do you mean by that?’ or ‘what makes you think that?’
There is advice available on the Mens Minds Matter website around how to deal with anger which leads to violence and aggression towards others.
What are some common sexist phrases to challenge?