(22) A Preventive Solution to Toxic Masculinity

About the Author:

Anne Saltson, 38, is a feminist writer and activist based in Svendalia. With a degree in literature and gender studies, she has dedicated her career to exploring societal power dynamics and advocating for radical change. A passionate speaker and thought leader, Anne lives with her partner and their rescue dog, often drawing inspiration for her work from their quiet life near the coast.

Summary

The Ring of Virtue: A Feminist Revolution in Self-Control and Respect

In a world where women are too often forced to navigate the unpredictable behavior of men, the Ring is an elegant and transformative accessory. Small yet powerful, it’s designed to instill the discipline and self-control that men have long been expected to lack. Made from shiny, sleek metal, the Ring resembles a subtle piece of jewelry. It is exactly in the shape of a narrow finger ring, but slightly larger. However, its true power lies in its ability to control unwanted male behaviors – behaviors that often put women in uncomfortable and unsafe situations.

Placed discreetly in the most sensitive area of a man’s body (right behind the penile head)  when in a flaccid state, the Ring is virtually invisible—especially on uncircumcised men, where it is hidden entirely beneath the skin. With a simple hinge and a special locking mechanism, the Ring can be secured tightly and cannot not be removed without the corresponding key. The inner side of the Ring is equipped with sharp spikes that cause pain if a man’s thoughts or physical response begin to stray into the territory of inappropriate desire or impulsivity.

As long as the man remains calm, respectful, and in control, the Ring is harmless. But at the moment when his body reacts to forbidden thoughts, the spikes dig into the sensitive skin, sending an agonizing impulse that forces him to immediately correct his behavior and refocus his mind. This immediate and intense feedback not only prevents unwanted actions but also promotes deep self-discipline and respect.

A Safer World for Women

The impact of the Ring on the modern man is transformative. It renders behaviors that have long been a source of discomfort and insecurity for women impossible. Here’s how:

No Unwanted Arousal: The Ring ensures that a man can no longer objectify or lust after women with inappropriate thoughts or gazes. He will not be able to stare, fantasize, or engage in the mental behavior that often leaves women feeling objectified and unsafe.

No Unwanted Advances: With the Ring in place, men are automatically more aware of their behavior and maintain a respectful distance when it is appropriate. He cannot afford to act out or make unwelcome advances, as the Ring will hold him accountable every time he does.

No More Problematic Consumption: The Ring blocks any attempt to indulge in sexually explicit media or material. Women no longer need to worry about the impact of such content on their male counterparts. No more awkward conversations or uncomfortable situations arising from these damaging habits. Ringed men will want to avoid any gaze at the material under all circumstances.

No Inappropriate Physical Responses: With the Ring’s discipline in place, men are no longer able to inadvertently send sexual signals or engage in unwanted physical reactions. This eliminates uncomfortable moments and gives women a sense of safety and control in any environment.

Empowerment for Women

The Ring stands as a symbol of the shift in power dynamics that women deserve. No longer must women be on constant guard against the unpredictable nature of male desire or behavior. The Ring enforces respect and self-discipline, ensuring that men live up to the standard of behavior that women have always deserved. This gives women more freedom, less anxiety, and the assurance that they are interacting with men who understand and respect boundaries.

For too long, women have had to adapt to a world that prioritizes male impulses over female safety. The Ring changes that narrative, giving women the freedom they deserve, while men learn to live with respect and self-discipline. The time for women to be in control is now. The Ring is the tool that brings us one step closer to a world where women are truly free.

Read more about how young men learn to cope with the Ring...

Svendalia Chronicles - Content...

A Radical Feminists View on the Ring of Virtue

A Tool for Eliminating Patriarchal Violence and Advancing True Equality. 

As a feminist, I despise the term 'Spikeguard' because it evokes associations with violence and pain. I abhor violence and pain, but for a successful dismantling of the patriarchy and a beneficial transformation of men, it will not be possible without some form of coercion and discomfort. Only strong emotions can bring about strong change.

I call it the "Ring of Virtue" and it is both a symbolic and physical instrument designed not merely to monitor individual behavior but as part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle patriarchal power structures. Radical feminists view the Ring as a method to regulate the self-destructive and violent tendencies often associated with patriarchal norms and toxic masculinity. The Ring is not an instrument of oppression; rather, it is a symbolic act of self-accountability for those committed to overcoming the role of patriarchal oppressor.  

Self-Discipline as an Expression of Responsibility

The Ring is not a tool for punishment or external control but a mechanism that reinforces inner self-discipline, encouraging the wearer to take responsibility for their thoughts, actions, and reactions. Instead of blaming society and institutions for individual behavior, the Ring offers an opportunity to actively abandon toxic behaviors rooted in patriarchal systems of upbringing. This fosters individual accountability and strengthens personal ethics, aligning with feminist principles of self-determination and equality.  

Dismantling Patriarchal Norms Through Individual Transformation

By serving as a tool for self-control, the Ring represents a pivotal step toward deconstructing traditional ideals of masculinity. It challenges the wearer to free themselves from the violent and domineering traits cultivated by patriarchal systems. The Ring is not solely about control but about fostering deep, internal transformation. It aids the process of recognizing and actively rejecting patriarchal values, paving the way for a society no longer defined by oppressive power structures.  

A Weapon Against Sexual Violence and Abuse

Another vital aspect of the Ring of Virtue is its potential to combat sexual violence, often stemming from patriarchal norms. The Ring promotes control over unwanted, aggressive, or sexually dominant impulses that could lead to harassment or violence. Through the physical feedback the Ring provides, wearers receive immediate signals when they encounter thoughts or behaviors conflicting with patriarchal constructs of sexuality and power. This feedback is not punitive but supportive, guiding behavioral change and fostering respect in interpersonal interactions.  

Equality Through Collective Responsibility

The concept of the Ring must be understood within a broader societal framework: the Ring is a tool for men actively seeking to change their behavior and attitudes to address gender inequality. It symbolizes an individual contribution to a society where power dynamics are no longer shaped by violence and oppression but by mutual respect and equality. The Ring embodies the effort to recognize and overcome patriarchal privilege.  

Overcoming Masculinity as a System of Domination

The Ring of Virtue also represents a step toward dismantling masculinity as a system of dominance. It reflects a rejection of toxic masculinity and supports men in freeing themselves from societal norms that glorify violence, dominance, and control. The Ring does not signify a return to traditional ideals of masculinity; instead, it is a tool for reevaluating and reshaping one’s identity toward a respectful, egalitarian, and nonviolent model of manhood that aligns with the goals of radical feminism.  

In essence, the Ring is not merely an accessory but a transformative symbol—one that carries the potential to reshape individuals and societies alike, cultivating a world where equality and mutual respect triumph over the remnants of patriarchal oppression.

A Tool for Transformation, Not Oppression

The Ring is not a method of control but a tool that supports men on their journey of self-transformation, helping them break free from the harmful patriarchal norms responsible for countless social inequalities. We Radical feminists might view the Ring as a first step toward sweeping societal change—a transformation that targets not only individual behavior but the dismantling of the entire patriarchal system. The Ring stands as a symbol of self-accountability and active resistance against the power structures that perpetuate violence and inequality.

A visionary Path to a New Discipline and Control

At first, the Virtue Ring is experienced as an intense and tangible tool, reacting immediately and unmistakably to misconduct or inappropriate thoughts. Any undesired reaction—be it an unwelcome thought or impulsive behavior contrary to established principles of self-discipline—elicits a painful feedback. This response, unpleasant and even agonizing, sharpens awareness of the need for change. It serves as a vivid physical reminder that the commitment to ethical principles and the pursuit of self-control must take precedence above all else.

Over time, after months of use and deep reflection on one’s actions, the body begins to respond differently to these signals. What initially required conscious effort and endurance of discomfort evolves into an automatic reflex. The brain gradually associates the pain with undesired thoughts or behaviors, creating an immediate physical response that prevents such actions before they manifest. This automation ensures that discipline is no longer solely reliant on conscious effort but becomes integrated into neurological processes—functioning almost like a self-protection mechanism.

The "errors" or "missteps" the Ring initially marks so intensely and painfully eventually give way to deeply ingrained reflexes that preemptively stop misconduct at its inception. This transformation is not merely physical but also psychological. The capacity to control impulses transitions from conscious exertion to an unconscious habit, enabling profound and lasting behavioral change. What once required deliberate decision-making becomes an ingrained way of being.

Once this automatism and self-discipline are firmly established, the question of removing the Ring may arise. Yet even in its absence, the fundamental transformation it initiated endures. The pain, the discomfort, and the relentless feedback become unnecessary as the wearer, through inner growth and learned control, attains a new form of self-mastery—one no longer reliant on external tools. The Ring, once a physical aid, can ultimately outlive its purpose, as its true goal is achieved: deeply rooted self-discipline and the ability to regulate oneself independently.

At this stage, one might ask: Is the Ring still needed if the wearer can now uphold their behavior with complete internal accountability, free from external correction? The answer lies not in the removal of the Ring but in the recognition that true success is not the absence of discomfort but the cultivation of unwavering self-discipline and the ability to live in harmony with one’s ethical values, without external enforcement.

The Ring represents a far less extreme, preventative measure to curb toxic behavior and patriarchal norms in men. Unlike radical proposals such as “#killallmen” or castration, which focus on violence and punishment, the Ring promotes self-discipline by alerting men when they violate established ethical principles—before any incident occurs. This preventative effect eliminates the need for punitive measures after the fact, as the Ring ensures that harmful actions are stopped before they can happen.

The Ring is a less Radical and Preventive Solution

Through state-mandated implementation, the Ring could foster systemic change, supporting men in distancing themselves from toxic behaviors before they escalate into criminal acts. The Ring is not a punishment but a tool for self-regulation, paving the way for a better and more equitable society. Unlike many of the violent or punitive demands (#killallmen, #castration, #abortmales) circulating in our radical feminist circles, the Ring offers a solution rooted in nonviolence and self-accountability, making it both less extreme and more constructive in achieving lasting social transformation.