The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and and How All Men Can Help

Jackson Katz's book could be one of the most important I have ever read, hands-down. Two years ago, after my wife came home from a graduate-level class, she told me we needed to watch Katz's documentary, Tough Guise (MEF). The documentary revolutionized the way I veiwed masculinity both in myself and in our culture. I then found Katz's book. The Macho Paradox does the exact same thing: Katz includes an amazing array of statistics as well as references to a variety of studies and cultural icons in order to prove his case--that masculinity needs a serious overhaul in our contemporary culture. No longer can we allow women to be abused in such rampant fashion. Katz explodes the myth that men are simply "born" with a bent towards aggression and violence; rather, he questions and explores what in our culture teaches men to behave the way we do. I highly recommend this book to both men and women, as its message is one we severely need today.

This book is both accessible and sophisticated in its approach. It covers political and social issues and popular culture in great depth. However, Katz pitches his argument to the broadest possible audience; he almost never uses jargon. I used the introductory chapter in a classroom with both high school and college students, and they all responded to the piece with enthusiasm. Another aspect of the book that elevates it above many similar works is Katz's use of personal anecdotes from his career as an anti-sexist activist to illustrate his points. These stories not only help to ground the book in reality, but they make it clear that the author has tested his ideas in the field of deeds. He has constantly sought out new audiences and been challenged to refine his approach. He advocates for a very inclusive model of gender violence prevention. He wants us to be honest with ourselves and call "domestic violence" what it is--men's violence against women. However, he also makes it clear that viewing all men as potential perpetrators is not the answer. Rather, encouraging men to take the issue personally and own up to their social responsibility, while encouraging others to do the same, can make a huge difference. For anyone who would like to learn more about men's violence against women, or gender and society in general, this book is a great place to start.

Jackson Katz believes that an end to violence (of all kinds, but particularly violence against women) must come from a new definition of masculinity that does not support violent behavior. His book explains clearly why this is and how to begin to make it happen and is some of the most positive and forward-thinking work in this field. This book is very accessible--it is not accusatory or preach-y and is very honest. I have bought a second copy of the book because so many people have been interested in borrowing it. Jackson Katz is a real innovator and his book is insightful and inspiring.

I wish I had 200 copies of this book. There are so many men I know that can find themselves depicted in Katz's clear and insightful reflections on male culture today. Why has the violence women suffer at the hands of some men been called a "woman's issue"? Where's the curiosity and creativity of more men when it comes to looking at why violence and sexual violence in particular are so epidemic? Or even, more dangerously, glamorized in aspects of the pornography industry? Forget "Pretty Woman" or "The Girl Next Door" and dive into real life. Katz has done his research and articulates a vision that should make every man stand up and collectively work to make this a world they are proud their daughters and sons will inherit. I really wish I had 200 copies....

I've always been a big fan of Jackson Katz' work and his latest book is no exception. This is a really accessible, well written, and thorough piece that takes a critical look at the hegemony in our society that makes violence against women by men, men's destructive and violent behavior become a culturally normal thing. Katz does an incredible job in piecing together his argument in a clear manner that doesn't alienate the audience..and in any sort of anti-violence work, that's a really difficult thing to do because the subject matter is such a serious and taboo one. I would highly recommend this book for any parent, any educator, anybody that wants to take proactive steps against men's violence in america and think critically about those issues. I would also suggest Jackson's video, the bible of any men's anti-violence work "Tough Guise" (www.mediaed.org). As a student in the women studies department at the University of Washington, I can say that Jackson's work is always highly respected and popular among the students and faculty. Luke, www.realmenarenot.com