Spain's government looks to reshape what it means to 'have balls'

"In the government-funded video, actor Paco Leon asks: "Let's talk about balls... What does it mean to have balls? One way to have balls is to go shopping or make a Spanish omelette or dare to tell your colleague that if he sends another photo of that woman, you'll report him. Having balls means doing the right thing." But rather than being anti-men, the Ministry hopes reshaping the use of ball-based expressions can be a positive for everyone."

"That's why the ministry is intent on "changing the meaning" of 'having balls' to more inclusive and positive interpretations. "They can break away from what they have been told since childhood, that they have to be macho and that they have to have balls, and perhaps having balls is not about imposing oneself without respect, but rather rethinking, transforming one's mentality, questioning oneself and ultimately changing"

Spain's Ministry of Equality launched an awareness campaign to reshape use of 'balls' in language, arguing the expression is overly macho and linked to domination and violence. The campaign targets society, especially young men described as having embraced reactionary, denialist views on equality. A government-funded video features actor Paco León redefining 'having balls' as doing the right thing, including confronting harassment. Officials describe the message as liberating for men, urging them to break from taught macho roles, rethink imposing behaviors, transform mentalities, question themselves and adopt more inclusive, respectful conduct.

Read at www.thelocal.es