2008 Woodie Awards
Men "walk a mile" in heels against domestic, sexual violence
ISU's Project Hope holds annual fundraiser on ISU quad
Catherine Roberts
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: News
Several men traded in their shoes for a pair of high heels before making a mile (or more) long journey around the ISU quad in Pocatello on Wed., Oct. 3. In an attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence, the men were participating in "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes", an annual fundraising event put on annually by ISU's Project Hope to combat domestic violence and sexual assault.
The event was kicked off to the song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers, which provided some background music for the men while they took their first steps in stilettos to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence.
Many people were out to show their support, while others watched from the windows of the ISU SUB. Employees and students crowded the windows facing the quad to watch as male participants walked by in heels, some carrying signs that read "support survivors, don't blame them" and "real men don't rape."
"Even though we don't participate, it brings awareness," said Susan Ross, an Administrative Assistant for the Scholarship office. "I have watched it out the windows for three years, cheering them on and saying thank you."
Some participants walked in groups, while others walked alone. Some didn't stop at just the high heels. A trio of participants marched around the quad sporting wigs, belly shirts and skirts. Another participant in a dark suit with the pant legs rolled up could be seen sprinting gracefully through his mile.
Wearing black capri stretch pants and white high heeled pumps, mass communications professor John Couper said that wearing heels "feels pretty lousy."
"It makes you think about the world differently," Couper said.
He continued, saying that domestic violence is not only a woman's issue because men who hurt others are self-abusing, and that men can also be abused.
Wearing a skin-tight orange and black tiger striped body suit paired with matching orange high heels, Ryan Hunter said that wearing the heels "hurts like hell."
"I feel very exposed right now," Hunter said, "but it's for a good cause, regardless."
The event was kicked off to the song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers, which provided some background music for the men while they took their first steps in stilettos to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence.
Many people were out to show their support, while others watched from the windows of the ISU SUB. Employees and students crowded the windows facing the quad to watch as male participants walked by in heels, some carrying signs that read "support survivors, don't blame them" and "real men don't rape."
"Even though we don't participate, it brings awareness," said Susan Ross, an Administrative Assistant for the Scholarship office. "I have watched it out the windows for three years, cheering them on and saying thank you."
Some participants walked in groups, while others walked alone. Some didn't stop at just the high heels. A trio of participants marched around the quad sporting wigs, belly shirts and skirts. Another participant in a dark suit with the pant legs rolled up could be seen sprinting gracefully through his mile.
Wearing black capri stretch pants and white high heeled pumps, mass communications professor John Couper said that wearing heels "feels pretty lousy."
"It makes you think about the world differently," Couper said.
He continued, saying that domestic violence is not only a woman's issue because men who hurt others are self-abusing, and that men can also be abused.
Wearing a skin-tight orange and black tiger striped body suit paired with matching orange high heels, Ryan Hunter said that wearing the heels "hurts like hell."
"I feel very exposed right now," Hunter said, "but it's for a good cause, regardless."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
JackKmetz
posted 9/09/08 @ 8:25 PM MST
This is so FUNNY and fun. What a great way to have men call attention to Domestic Violence and the need to help groups that fight it. Tanger Outlets and the guys deserve kudos for guts and their putting-up with the greatest women's issue after Domestic Violence, having to wear heals to look stylish. (Continued…)
Natural Cures
posted 9/21/08 @ 9:34 AM MST
Hoopefully this will help with all the date rape and stalking and other things that happen in college a lot. This is a good way for the women to recognize the guys that they can trust. (Continued…)
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