Fried Frogs: The Delicacies of Manhood

Aggressive, strong, sexually confident, and unemotional: the signs of boys becoming men. When does strength become violence? When does sexual prowess become sexual aggression? When does gaining male self esteem require taking away the self esteem of women by turning them into objects?

Young men routinely call each other “gay” to fortify their gender identities. Male athletes might be called a “bunch of girls” when their athletic performance is not up to par. Harassment is not limited to boys harassing girls, but also includes gender bullying where males are the victims.

This single-sex program turns up the heat, and puts the pressure on young men to take responsibility for their treatment of others. Far from “male bashing,” this program encourages male empowerment by leaving them with an understanding of the power of true masculinity and the positive force that it can be when integrity and respect are at the core of the masculine ideal.

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