Girls are taught to be careful and to defend themselves. Don’t walk alone after dark. Don’t go into that neighborhood. Don’t dress like that. Don’t go into a bar. Don’t go into that room. Be aware. Look around you. Don’t look too relaxed. Don’t speak too freely. Some may take self-defense classes, but all are taught to be defensive.

What are they defending themselves from?

It’s not “what” — it’s who: men.

Boys are taught to be aggressive and to take the offense. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. You fail every time you don’t try. If you don’t ask you don’t get. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. Don’t take no for an answer. Step up to the plate.

A lot of these lessons relate to sports, but they go further. They become a way of life. Men play offense and women play defense.

See how that can become a problem? Watch this video.

 

This powerful video from One Student gives three simple actions boys need to learn growing up:

• Love people.
  Respect people.
  Don’t assault people.

It sounds easier than it is. No parent brings up a boy to become a rapist. But… boys will be boys, right? But ending sexual assault also sounds harder than it is.

It’s time to redefine what it means to be a man. Men aren’t the offense, and women aren’t the defense.

OneStudent has a pledge students can take. You can make the changes that pledge suggests even if you’re not a student. It’s time for a change.