Men are distinguished from women by their commitment to do

"Men are distinguished from women by their commitment to do violence rather than to be victimized by it." These powerful words by Andrea Dworkin offer a provocative and deeply emotional reflection on the nature of gender, power, and violence. In her statement, Dworkin presents a stark truth about the roles men and women have historically occupied within society. Men, in her view, have often been defined by their capacity for violence, a violence which has been normalized as an expression of masculinity, while women have been victimized by it, subjected to oppression and harm, yet often marginalized in their responses. This distinction, while harsh, is a critique of the patriarchal systems that reward aggression in men and punish women for their vulnerability or resistance.

In the ancient world, the concept of violence was intricately tied to honor and strength. The Greek warrior societies, for example, placed immense value on the ability to fight and conquer. The Iliad, by Homer, is filled with tales of great warriors who earned honor through acts of violence, battle, and domination. Achilles, the hero of the epic, is revered not only for his exceptional prowess in war but for his ability to enforce his will through the sword. Violence, in this context, was seen as a pathway to glory and recognition, and men were often defined by their willingness to engage in it. Women, in contrast, were largely seen as the victims of this violence, either as spoils of war or as those who remained behind to bear the consequences of men’s actions.

Dworkin’s observation, however, calls us to reflect on the deeper consequences of this glorification of violence. In the ancient world, women often had little agency in the face of patriarchal oppression. Consider the story of Tereus and Philomela in Greek mythology—a tale of rape, silencing, and revenge. Philomela, silenced by Tereus after he assaulted her, is forced to endure violence in its most heinous form. This myth reflects the ancient understanding of the power dynamics between men and women, where men’s capacity for violence was legitimized, while women’s voices and victimization were ignored or minimized. Tereus’ actions, like so many others, demonstrate the acceptance of male violence as part of their masculine identity.

In contrast to the violent men of myth, the women of these stories were often depicted as the victims—caught in the wake of male aggression and domination. Yet, it is important to recognize that the victimization of women is not confined to ancient myths but continues to be a prevalent reality in modern societies. Andrea Dworkin’s work highlights this persistent truth, asserting that violence against women is not only a personal tragedy but a social construct that upholds male supremacy. From the battlefield to the home, the violence men commit against women is often brushed aside or normalized as part of an ingrained power structure. It is a system that rewards aggression and dominance, creating a world where men are taught to embody violence, while women are left to bear the scars of it.

However, Dworkin’s words also imply a powerful call to action: breaking the cycle of violence requires a fundamental shift in how we understand masculinity and femininity. In the lives of those who have fought for gender equality—from Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Malala Yousafzai and Tarana Burke—we see a relentless refusal to accept the status quo of victimization. These women and men, through non-violent resistance and activism, have demanded that violence, whether physical or emotional, be eradicated from our societies. Their resistance echoes the ancient call for justice, where men and women alike could live free of the violence imposed by an unequal power structure.

A powerful historical example of the shifting balance of violence and resilience comes from the life of Nelson Mandela. Mandela, a man who lived through years of violence, both as a victim and later as a freedom fighter, chose a path of non-violence in his later years. While violence had been a necessary response in his earlier efforts against apartheid, Mandela understood that true freedom could only come when peace replaced anger and retribution. His ability to forgive those who had once oppressed him was a profound example of how men can transcend the cycle of violence that has long been used to define their masculinity. Mandela’s journey teaches us that true power is not found in violence but in the courage to choose peace and understanding, no matter the brutality of the world around us.

The lesson Dworkin offers is clear: violence is not the natural state of man, nor is it a means to honor. True strength is found in rejecting the temptation to dominate and in choosing instead to empower others, particularly those who have been victimized. The path forward for both men and women lies in breaking free from the cycle of aggression and oppression, replacing violence with compassion, and embracing shared humanity. As you move through your own life, ask yourself: how do I contribute to a world that either perpetuates or dismantles violence? Seek ways to engage in non-violent resistance, to uplift others, and to encourage understanding over aggression, for it is through healing and equality that true honor and peace can be achieved.