White Ribbon calls on men to reject ‘Return of the Kings’
Neomasculinist group ‘Return of the Kings’ leader, Daryush 'Roosh' Valizadeh, has announced plans to hold public
meetings around the world, including in New Zealand.
White Ribbon Campaign Manager, Rob McCann, has described the ideology that the group is trying to sell as disgusting,
and says that they have no place in modern society. Australia and New Zealand just recently rejected the group called
the ‘Pick up Artists’, and we should do the same with the Return of the Kings.
In 2015, the White Ribbon’s campaign focused on Respectful Relationships and for the first time talked about the need for consent when engaging in sexual activities.
“For this group to advocate that ‘rape on private property should be legalised’ is abhorrent, and demonstrates just how
deluded and despicable they are,” said Mr McCann. “We don’t need people like this peddling their own version of
misogyny.
“Most men treat women with respect, but the biggest cause of violence is the belief that men have more rights and power
than women. This group will try and perpetuate that belief, and for that reason alone we shouldn’t be letting them into
New Zealand,” said Mr McCann.
White Ribbon Ambassadors have also been appalled by news of the ‘Return of the Kings’ and want the New Zealand Public to
know that New Zealand men do not, and should not, have these attitudes.
White Ribbon Ambassadors Respond“These views will be abhorrent to New Zealand men. We are proud to live in a country where women and men are valued
equally. Gender discrimination and stereotyping like this has no place here." Children’s Commissioner and paediatrician
Dr Russell Wills
“To be allowed to promote such degradation is not just against what White Ribbon stands for, it is against the very
moral nature of human society. There is no way these people should be allowed into New Zealand.” David White
“In its broadest sense, a truly progressive society is one that cares for, protects and provides for women. These are,
in fact, the very principles that underpin what being a man is really all about. Let’s build a nation of good strong men
who understand this - the other kind of nation is one not worth living in.” Trevor Simpson
“I am standing up against the online group Return of the Kings. Their message is degrading to women, and aims to
perpetuate negative stereotypes. The men I know do not involve themselves in such groups, and treat women with respect.
If we are to be a loving society, we should denounce such groups, and help fight this type of rape culture.” Callum
Williamson“It's really childish, ridiculous, and crazy to show masculinity by raping women. Demonstrate masculinity by respecting
women.” Pan Benjamin“This ludicrous ‘analysis’ of gender relations would be comical if it were not so offensive. The emergence of such
misguided individuals, and their primitive stereotyping of gender roles, should motivate us to redouble our efforts to
encourage all men to develop and maintain positive and respectful relationships with women.” David Clendon MP
“As a father I want my daughter to be safe, to be respected by her partner and to have the freedom to make choices, I
want my sons partners to feel safe, respected and able to speak their truth. When myself, my sons or any men act in a
way that disrespects women, treats them as less than human and privileges ourselves ahead of everyone else, we don’t
just disrespect them we effectively disrespect ourselves.” Brian Gardner former chair White Ribbon “As an ambassador and a male I strive to see gender equality and respect. For us as men to allow such an event to take
place here would be a travesty. The ideology of this group is incredibly damaging and has no place in New Zealand.”
Robert Mackay
KEY STATISTICS
• One in three women will experience partner violence at some point in their lives
• Fewer than 20 percent of abuse cases are reported
• Over 3,500 convictions are recorded against men each year for assaults on women
• On average, 14 women a year are killed by their partners or ex-partners
• Police attend a family violence incident every 5 ½ minutes
• Family violence accounts for half of all reported serious crime
• In 2014 Police responded to over 100,000 family violence incidents
ENDS