Masks off -- Becoming a vulnerable male role model | Jeremy Loveday | TEDxVictoria

After releasing the viral video poem Masks Off: A Challenge to men, Jeremy Loveday found himself becoming a role model for the fight against gender violence -- and also a role model for male vulnerability.

Pillar of the Victoria arts community and poetry slam champion. His poem, "Masks Off: A challenge to Men" went viral on YouTube in 2013, and Jeremy has gone on to win international attention for his spoken-word work on gender issues.

TEDxVictoria takes place each year in Victoria, BC, Canada, and is Vancouver Island's largest TEDx event. This year marked the fourth year of the event, which saw more than 700 people gather at the century-old McPherson Playhouse for a full day of Ideas Worth Spreading based around the theme of Pursuit of Knowledge.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[aratharl]

This guy is narcissistic and self-loathing at the same time. Wow, i didn't even think that was possible. Well done. 

[stonecold]

I'm sorry. This is carefully worded, thinly veiled hate speech. Nothing more.

[TiffanyPoirier]

I want to live in a world where people have the courage to ask these tough questions of themselves and do the hard personal work towards stepping into their roles as leaders...this talk "struck a chord" with me.  Thank you, Jeremy :)

[anitaroberts]

Thank you. Thank you for acknowledging that one poem brought you to the forefront of a movement to end violence against women and gender stereotyping. I am one of the women you spoke about...one of the many, many women who have given and continue to give their lives (both literally and figuratively) to wake the world up to the truth of gender and power and violence against women. And thank you for seeing, and speaking your truth about vulnerability. To transform the lens of the patriarchy, which equates vulnerability with weakness, is to transform how we see everything tender/emotional/intuitive as "less than". And to see these qualities as true strength. true courage. truly human.

[rebekaherickson]

Thank you, Jeremy, for speaking truth and standing up against gender based violence. It gives me chills to read the hateful, violent comments below by a select group of men who are so small minded, ignorant, and full of hate that they view this speech as a personal attack on themselves, and are unable to see it for what it is - an empowering call for men to take action in becoming positive role models in society.

[KO-fhvn]

There is no "manhood" or "collective of men". I am a male. A human being born with an x and y chromosome as opposed to two y's, nothing more, nothing less [as far as "male identity" goes]. He [as in the speaker] is no closer to me because of our genetic similarities when compared to a female than another human being may be to me due to our genetic similarities when compared to others.
I understand this message is to uproot the and adjust the current societal views of what is "appropriate behavior from a male", but I think the aim should be instead to terminate such medieval ideas of gender normative/appropriate roles.

[maitawaters]

How interesting that every comment about this being an amazing poem and helping break the oppression and silence is by women who have to face this on the daily and acknowledge the empowerment of this Poem. While all the hateful violent comments are by men. Literally acting as living proof that change is a necessity here.