NEWS
Within Reach Campaign | March 14, 2018
Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity
An Interview with WCA Champion,
Jacob Kahn
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Jacob is a health educator for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland,
where he teaches a male responsibility class called Wise Guys. He also
volunteers with MADVAC (Men Against Domestic Violence Action Coalition),
which engages boys and men with awareness and prevention strategies
to eliminate domestic violence. After graduating from the
University of Central Florida, Jacob moved to Omaha two years ago.
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TELL ME ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.
With Planned Parenthood I teach a high school sex-ed class that focuses on many different topics beyond contraception and anatomy. We talk about what it means to be a healthy young adult, which includes healthy relationships and consent. I also volunteer with MADVAC (Men Against Domestic Violence Action Coalition), as an HIV counselor at Nebraska AIDS project, and am a leader of the youth group at my synagogue.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO TEACH YOUR STUDENTS?
It’s very important for all men to recognize that being a violent, oppressive person is not what it means to be a man. I teach my students that negative messages about women and gay people are out there and that we need to push back on that because it sets people up for failure, unhealthy relationships, and unsatisfied lives. I’m with these young men for 15 weeks and we get to know each other. You come to care about the kids that you teach. I only want the best opportunities for them. They’re smart and they’re questioning everything around them. I try to help them to push back on the toxic environments they are in all the time: the locker room, video games, etc. Young men need know that’s not the way they have to act. They don’t have to be that way. It’s not healthy for them or the people they engage.
THIS MUST BE NEW INFORMATION TO A LOT OF THEM.
DO YOU EVER GET PUSH BACK FROM THEM?
Yeah, there’s push back because you’re challenging young men to think bigger than the world they’ve lived in. Of course there is skepticism. But through the class and growing rapport, I am able to get through to them. I tell them, “I know this can be challenging, but I’m trying to expand your horizons on this. I’m trying to help you to develop empathy for people around you.”
WHY DOES THE WCA MATTER TO YOU?
Professionally speaking, being involved with the WCA is a great way to continue doing the work I already do because there is significant overlap. And on a personal level, there are women I care about who have been survivors of intimate partner violence. In college my sister had a stalker, and that was when I really understood how prevalent and common the issue is.
WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD KNOW OR DO?
I wish more people realized that domestic violence happens in our community. When we look at Omaha we’re a very segregated city. I grew up in a city that was much more diverse. The reality is that it happens everywhere across all religions, races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and all zip codes across Omaha. People need to realize it’s not the neighborhood on the other side of town. It’s happening next door.
If it didn’t happen in Omaha, why would the WCA exist? Organizations like the WCA exist because there’s a problem.
WHEN WE SAY THE WCA IS WITHIN REACH, WHAT
DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
At night, the building will be well illuminated; it looks like a sanctuary and a refuge. The building being lit up illuminates this issue that people often want to keep hidden in the shadows. There’s shame, guilt or embarrassment that should never be imposed on people in these situations. Being so prominent and out there shows this is a legitimate place to seek help and a legitimate thing to seek help for.
Learn more about the free prevention and education services the WCA offers everyone in the community, including employers, schools, faith communities, parents, children, and teens.
