In an op-ed for [1]The New York Times [1] inspired by the recent firing of Mike Rice [1], the abusive Rutgers men’s basketball coach, Charles Blow discusses the importance of athletic coaches serving as positive role models to their young, male athletes. In his article, Blow cites a 2009 study by researchers at the University of Northern Iowa which found that “male high school athletes in particular report higher levels of alcohol consumption, drunk driving, sexist and homophobic social attitudes, gender related violent activity, and same sex violence (fighting).” Blow argues this behavior among men could be attributed to a jock culture that accepts physical violence as an acceptable outlet for male emotion and categorizes poor performance as femininity—all of which coaches could play a vital role in preventing. He highlights the program Coaching Boys into Men, which provides coaches with a training kit that “illustrates ways to model respect and promote healthy relationships and choices among young men.

 

[2]In this article, Dr. Ted Zeff argues that the U.S. proliferates a culture of violence that encourages young men to be aggressive [2]. Boys in particular are constantly receiving messages from the media that they must be tough, strong, and always in control. This socialization leads boys to believe that violent behavior is acceptable and even expected from them.

 

Dr. Zeff argues that this cycle needs to end and boys should be taught cultural norms of compassion and kindness. Dr. Zeff lists 10 ways to teach nonviolent behavior, including reducing exposure to violent video games and movies, encouraging more physical activity, and rewarding kindness.