Product Description
Praise for The Macho Paradox

"An honest, intellectually rigorous and insightful work that challenges readers to truly engage in a political discourse that can change lives, communities and nations."

--Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes

"Jackson Katz is an American hero! With integrity and courage, he has taken his message--that the epidemic of violence against women is a men's issue--into athletic terms, the military and frat houses across the country. His book explains carefully and convincingly why--and how--men can become part of the solution, and work with women to build a world in which everyone is safer."

--Michael Kimmel, author of Manhood in America, spokesperson, National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS)

"If only men would read Katz's book, it could serve as a potent form of male consciousness-raising."

--Publishers Weekly

"This book leaves no man behind when it comes to taking violence against women personally....After reading this book you can see how important it is to be a stand-up guy and not a standy-by guy, no matter what race or culture you come from."

--Alfred L. McMichael, 14th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and now serving as the Sergeant Major of NATO

"A candid look at the cultural factors that lend themselves to tolerance of abuse and violence against women."

--Booklist

"These pages will empower both men and women to end the scourge of male violence and abuse. Katz knows how to cut to the core of the issues, demonstrating undeniably that stopping the degradation of women should be every man's priority."

--Lundy Bancroft, author of Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 8 reviews)

Great Book!

This was a wonderful read and I would recommend everyone read it, especially men who are for the fight against violence against women.
October 24, 2008

Good Introduction

It's a good read as an intro text, but after the fourth or fifth chapter, it's really just repeating the same themes over again.
I would recommend it as a good book for a rainy day, but certainly not a beach read and it is geared towards a male audience.
A helpful classroom text, but not the best.
October 10, 2008

Men Can Change...

...how they see and conduct themselves in society, how they treat women and other men and, this book can help. Thoroughly accessible, Katz simply asks us, and shows us how, to take responsibility for change. This book certainly has changed to way I look at things, the way I talk to men and other women and, most importanly, the way I listen. Highly recommended.
October 21, 2007

Powerfully Realizing What Happens All around Us

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.
October 10, 2007

great book on many levels

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.
January 04, 2007

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity
by Robert Jensen

Transforming a Rape Culture
by Emilie Buchwald, Pamela Fletcher, Martha Roth

Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
by Lundy Bancroft

Dude, You're a Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School
by C. J. Pascoe

I Never Called It Rape: The Ms. Report on Recognizing, Fighting, and Surviving Date and Acquaintance Rape
by Robin Warshaw