Being a “real man” doesn’t mean putting on a front and engaging in violent and destructive behaviors.

This was the main message that  the Center for Diversity & Social Justice (CDSJ)  wanted to get across by screening “Tough Guise 2: Manhood, Violence, and American Culture” on April 7.

“One of our goals is to educate people about inequalities happening in our society and provide them with the tools on how to become allies and advocates within the community,” Veronica Gomez-Vilchis, diversity officer, said.

Gomez-Vilchis said society often addresses the challenges women face, but not the challenges men go through.

The film is the second in the “Tough Guise” series by Jackson Katz. It brings to light the epidemic of violence against men.

“Tough Guise” analyzes gun and domestic violence, bullying, the bashing of gay individuals and the idea that society has normalized violent acts that some men commit as being part of the traditional male authority role.

The film highlights violent, sexist and homophobic remarks that men and young boys regularly hear through pornography, sports, video games, television and many other platforms.

“We usually only cast women as the victim in our society, when there’s so many challenges men face that go beyond unnoticed just because we are supposed to show that we are tough and worthy of being a man,” said Nari Sternen, senior geographic information system science major.

The audience was very open about the topic.  Everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen and the room had a comfortable atmosphere.

“I think it was well-appreciated because of how true and honest it was,” Gomez-Vilchis said.