“Man up.” What a cleverly disguised way to say shut up. “Shut up or fight back, or you deserved what you got.”
First recorded in the mythopoetic men’s movement of the 1980’s and 1990’s, the term ‘toxic masculinity’ has been widely used to touch on the cultural and traditional concept of manliness that glorifies stoicism, strength, virility and dominance. Although, it is evident from historical anecdotes and narratives that male violence and aggression were mirrors of power and a superiority complex.
Sociologist Raewyn Connell theorized that most middle-class men unthinkingly champion heterosexuality and are sexist. Characterized by being promiscuous and emotionless, this sociocultural standard has become harmful; not just to society but to men themselves. Encompassed by misleading perspectives of the world, men are brought up without the essential fundamental comprehension of human relationships, respect and open mindedness. Exerting physical strength and impulsivity exists as an established norm of control and intimidation expression. Anything otherwise is considered a feminine characteristic. Constant pressure on boys to be self-reliant and independent prevails whereas emotional vulnerability will be mocked at.
After extensive study and research, it has been proved that men are not naturally violent. Due to a powerful patriarchal society that convinces boys that physical strength is the equivalent of being a man, otherwise they are weak, hence equating manhood to brutality and ferocity. Even crying and processing of emotions is associated with gender roles. Despite being more progressive now, media such as movies, graphic novels and books still showcase this sickening stereotype. Examples include Maverick in Top Gun and Johnny in Dirty Dancing. In cases of any deviation from the predictable, shame and humiliation is not uncommon. With fear of any negative social reaction, bullying or harassment, boys are often guided away from emotion. This social construct is one of the leading causes of depression, social awkwardness and other mental disorders that continually exist in the males of today’s generation. Statistics show that 6 million men in the USA suffer from depression and the symptoms have increased from 4.3% to 5.7%. Due to confusion about themselves, their dysfunctional feelings and their actions, most men are unable to identify mental health disorders and leave them untreated which leads to resort of drug abuse and/or alcohol addiction, leading to anti-social behavior and ultimately suicide. Expressing internal conflicts by directing anger at those around them as “coping” mechanisms do not really aid them to face their issues effectively.
Male celebrities who are fortunate enough to disregard these toxic activities, act as agents for change by spreading awareness about this matter by advocating the serious effects of men trying to ‘prove’ their masculinity through aggression and/or by the unhealthy, defective act of bottling up feelings. Urging people to reject male supremacy is the only way that’ll result in the crumbling of this horrendous hierarchy. Young boys look up to their male centerpieces around which their life revolves around, such as their fathers or teachers, their views on what is considered as masculine or feminine is acculturated. Alteration of the identity of masculinity is in the power of the males of today’s generation.
Together, we must strive to make our world, our environment and ourselves a safe space to express our gender in ways that feels authentic and safe. It’s been too long since the traditional prototype of masculinity has stuck with society and it’s about time we attempt to spawn an amendment, beginning within our circle of friends and family, before it’s too late.
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