The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors the Man-Up Against Suicide photo exhibit

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      The Man-Up Against Suicide photo exhibit takes place at the Foster Eastman Gallery (1445 West Georgia Street) from May 29 to June 28.

      Led by UBC professor John Oliffe, Man-Up Against Suicide is one of five projects conducted within the Men’s Depression & Suicide Network, funded by Movember Canada. Men’s suicide rates continue to outnumber reported rates of men’s depression worldwide, and in Canada, men’s suicide rates are over three times higher than women.

      The exhibit draws attention to the stigma of depression, mental illness, and suicide by placing cameras in the hands of people who have been affected by male suicide. Some of personally experienced suicidal thoughts and other photographers know a man whose death was caused by suicide.

      Admission to the Man-Up Against Suicide photo exhibit is free.

      Comments

      6 Comments

      jason sulyma

      May 22, 2014 at 12:30pm

      man up is a sexist term & men attempting to live up to the myth of "man'ning up" could be a reason for a suicide or two on yo' stat sheet

      John Oliffe

      May 24, 2014 at 7:25am

      Thanks Jason - the naming of the project as man up against suicide was based on the idea that we all need to muster the strength to talk about and raise awareness around male suicide. The exhibit features the perspectives of 25 men and women from diverse backgrounds - all providing authentic and powerful insights. I hope the naming does not distract you and others from attending.

      Em

      May 28, 2014 at 6:01pm

      The idea for the exhibition sounds interesting, but the branding is awful - given that men (and women) who suffer from depression are often told to "man up". Without reading about the intentions of the project, it sounds like you're telling people with depression to "man up", which is offensive. Terrible marketing, I'm surprised this was approved.

      John Oliffe

      Jun 1, 2014 at 4:45pm

      Thanks EM. The project participants approved the title in sharing their perspectives about male suicide. Underpinned by the strength to speak up the man up title draws on contemporary masculine ideals as distinct from the stoicism you reference.

      Dario

      Jun 20, 2014 at 10:32am

      John. I certainly applaud the exhibit but like others I think the branding was a mistake. I don't have to repeat what you have already heard.

      Never the less, this is a great idea and brings awareness to the problem. I advocate for men less fortunate than myself on a regular basis and people find the societal short comings to be crazy. Now most people do nothing with the information I provide but knowing there is a problem hopefully makes people recognize the problem in their lives.

      Good work.

      Glen

      Jun 20, 2014 at 8:14pm

      What are the hours of the gallery?