Opinion: Rural young men need positive role models
© Adobe Stock Matchmaking wasn’t on my list of future careers when I left school, but once again I found myself hosting the Callander Young Farmers Take Me Out competition.
Not every guy got a date, but I’m pretty certain everyone in the shed had a great night.
As well as getting sparks flying in new relationships, the club also took the time to represent SAYFC’s and Rsabi’s “Respect” campaign.
This is an ambitious and progressive scheme, leading the way for rural youth organisations throughout the UK and Europe, covering issues ranging from mental health to alcohol and drug abuse.
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One of the other themes it aims to highlight is sexual consent.
The UK saw a sharp peak in interest in this subject at the start of the decade, but the conversation around it has quietened down recently.
Sexual harassment and assault is a societal problem, found in all walks of life, and the farming community is sadly not immune to it.
While there are both male and female perpetrators, we largely see this issue prevalent with men.
I feel a large part of the problem of male-perpetrated harassment are the lack of good role models and how elements of toxic masculinity, such as lecherous behaviour, persist in society.
Engaging men with the subject of sexual consent and making them feel part of the solution rather than the problem is vital.
There are many bold and well-intentioned campaigns that try to tackle the issue head-on, but often blame every man for the crimes of the few and end up disengaging everyone with their aims.
Past perceptions of masculinity, including concepts such as chivalry and being a gentleman, should be channelled more.
Perhaps these have been lost in modern ideas of what being a man entails.
Everyone wants to be the “big man” with narratives of heroism and just action persisting in stories of masculinity for centuries.
Instead, notions of “gentlemanly behaviour” should be leaned into more, challenging the idea that a man’s worth is tied to sexual prowess and control.
Young men can often be drawn to “big lad, top shagger” role-models.
However these aren’t good examples to help navigate through life challenges associated with sex and relationships.
We should recognise that there are flaws with this view of masculinity and search for people who embody a better way of life.
Admirable principles
Define the principles you feel are admirable, such as kindness, courage, respect and honesty – and look to people who embody these.
This will influence your mindset and actions for the better.
Organisations that get young people together in person are vital, whether that be Young Farmers’ Clubs, show committees or sports clubs.
We are social creatures and these groups can self mediate individuals through decisions and actions, such as calling out poor behaviour, consoling rejection and offering advice.
Schemes such as the “Ask for Angela” initiative are run in many UK bars and venues, helping prevent sexual harassment by working closely with staff and patrons to identify and deal with threats.
Its website also offers free training and resources. Seeing this incorporated at more rural organised events would be a great progressive step.
There should be more campaigns like “Respect”. Rural Youth Europe thought it was so good it won project of the year in 2025.
Building a culture that reduces harassment and challenges toxic behaviour can help deliver real respect for everyone.