48 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S P R I N G 2 0 1 9
Beyond the home front
While family communication is essential,
Garske says it's difficult to enforce respect
once boys venture into the big, aggres-
sive world.
"Home can be a teaching ground for
violence, but more commonly controlling
and coercive behaviors are reinforced in
society," Garske says. "They're taught
how to be violent by observing other
men."
The entertainment industry promotes
violence and traditional gender norms in
everything from advertisements and video
games to movies and magazines. Garske
says until these mainstream images
change, there's only so much education
parents can provide.
"We need to start using the power of
the wallet to instigate change, and take
our money out of those products and
entertainment that promote negative
behaviors," Garske says.
Until a drastic societal shift takes place,
Wold is hoping her sons will continue to
keep the lines of communication open
when it comes to the behaviors they
encounter.
"Hopefully they will be able to come
to us in the future when there are things
going on in school that they're not com-
fortable with," she says. "I hope they can
feel safe talking to us." n
Center for Domestic Peace
centerfordomesticpeace.org
Hotline: 415-924-6616
Marin Against Youth Abuse panel discusses
gender expectations, equality and respect.
– Photo courtesy of Center for Domestic Peace
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