UMass "Phallacies" men against violence

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick has declared Thursday Massachusetts White Ribbon Day.  Folks across the state are wearing white ribbons in support of men ending violence against women, and for an inspirational group of UMass Amherst students, change starts with them.

“I always felt like I was forced to act a certain way, even if that was against the way I actually felt,” said UMass Amherst sophomore Chris Lowe.  “Like why do I have to treat women [negatively] to be accepted by society?”

Lowe is part of a UMass Amherst student group called “Phallacies” that is leading a campaign to end violence against women.

“Joining the Phallacies and doing this kind of work is a poignant and pointed way to show that first of all, there are men willing to talk about these issues, to be male critical but also male positive,” said UMass Amherst senior Yevin Roh.

Together, they’re challenging notions of masculinity, performing skits at the Massachusetts State House that explore thoughts, emotions – Things that don’t usually fit into the male stereotype.

“Just getting together with a group of ten to fifteen men and instead of talking about sports, cars and women, you know, talking about our emotions, our feelings, the way we think about things,” said UMass Amherst junior Tim Katz.

Their skits explore experiences that are very personal to them, everything from the discomfort of hugging to confronting perpetrators of abusive relationships.

“My father, so he was abusive to my mother,” said Lowe.  “But the lesson is to break out of the social roles that we’re put in as men.  You don’t have to be just dominant over women that we’re seeing.”

Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray also participated in the White Ribbon Day program, praising efforts to foster a positive image of masculinity and manliness built on respect, dignity and equality.