The need to end the fraternity of men
The case of Gisèle Pélicot shows a problem that goes beyond rape: the complicity of men in the face of male violence. What is worrying is not only aggression, but the silence of the men who, knowing what happened, decided not to denounce the situation. This pact of silence, "fraternity" or "corporativism" male, because it supports the aggressors and perpetuates the heteropatriarchal system that normalizes male violence. The breakdown of this pact is therefore fundamental to eradicating male violence and building a fairer (and feminist) society.
The brotherhood of men is a refuge for those who engage in violent actions against women or against sexual dissent, as it guarantees that their friends and friends will remain silent in the name of loyalty. In the case of Pélicot, the community of men who did not want to participate in the violations preferred to protect the aggressors rather than give up the brotherhood. Therefore, this silence is not neutral, it is an active complicity that strengthens and perpetuates the power of the aggressors. Furthermore, this pact of silence protects the aggressors and makes the victims invisible.
It is not enough not to be an aggressor, men have to actively denounce violence, even if it comes from the closest
The rupture of fraternity with this male is an ethical responsibility. It is not enough not to be an aggressor, men must actively denounce violence, even if it comes from their closest environment. Lack of action perpetuates violence and it is time for men to assume our role in the fight against heteropatriarchy, not as spectators, but as transforming subjects. Protecting other men for loyalty has to stop being socially admitted.
The case of Gisèle Pélicot obliges us to rethink the relations we are promoting among men. Therefore, it is urgent to question the hegemonic masculinity, which links being a man with power and domination. And breaking with that means dealing with these codes. It is also the creation of new forms of relationship based on the rejection of violence.
True bravery is not in loyalty to other men, but in ethics, even if it leads to loss of privilege or resistance to criticism. Because yes, acting ethically and breaking the silence means questioning the social norms that regulate the relations between men, and that change is going to be one of the first steps towards dismantling the structures that sustain male violence.
Bidali zure iritzi artikuluak iritzia@argia.eus helbide elektronikora
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