Before explaining my position on the topic referenced above, allow for me to properly define "Toxic Masculinity" for you all, as there are frequently misconceptions about it.
Firstly, "Masculinity" on its own is simply defined as, “Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men; habits and traits that society considers to be appropriate for a man”--a troubling definition in and of itself--but nonetheless, that is the meaning of the word. These could include physical attributes such as: being “handsome, muscled, and driven” At no point does it say that it is in men’s nature to be aggressive, forceful, or belligerent.
Toxic masculinity came about as these negative attributes were embedded into the culture of men. It has been used to oppress women, to shame and derive young boys of their natural, harmless emotions, and has protected countless of abusers from facing justice whilst humiliating the victim in the process.
Taking this overarching, problematic dilemma a step further, another important issue to note is that this toxic mentality is harming people of all ages and backgrounds--but most specifically--is harming young boys that are forced to emanate this way of life. The phrase, "boys will be boys" is problematic due to the unconscious biases that are allowed to form and proliferate--composing their identity as they come of age. With young boys, excessive aggression and roughhousing is perceived as natural, and is brushed off as their caretakers fail to see the issue at hand. As this aggressive and forceful nature is perceived as normal, it should not come as a shock that any behavior that does not promote this image is shunned and labeled as feminine; a terrible thing to be in the eyes of those who partake in this lifestyle. This means that young boys showing emotions is not acceptable to them, that crying or listening to others makes them weak.
Ingraining these ideas into these young boys lives is causing for them to grow up angry and resentful; further contributing to the negative stereotypes that they hold and their portrayals in the media. The phrase "Boys will be Boys" needs to be taken back and replaced with a positive connotation. This can be achieved by doing the exact opposite of all traits listed above, and would greatly benefit this society as a whole.
Firstly, "Masculinity" on its own is simply defined as, “Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men; habits and traits that society considers to be appropriate for a man”--a troubling definition in and of itself--but nonetheless, that is the meaning of the word. These could include physical attributes such as: being “handsome, muscled, and driven” At no point does it say that it is in men’s nature to be aggressive, forceful, or belligerent.
Toxic masculinity came about as these negative attributes were embedded into the culture of men. It has been used to oppress women, to shame and derive young boys of their natural, harmless emotions, and has protected countless of abusers from facing justice whilst humiliating the victim in the process.
Taking this overarching, problematic dilemma a step further, another important issue to note is that this toxic mentality is harming people of all ages and backgrounds--but most specifically--is harming young boys that are forced to emanate this way of life. The phrase, "boys will be boys" is problematic due to the unconscious biases that are allowed to form and proliferate--composing their identity as they come of age. With young boys, excessive aggression and roughhousing is perceived as natural, and is brushed off as their caretakers fail to see the issue at hand. As this aggressive and forceful nature is perceived as normal, it should not come as a shock that any behavior that does not promote this image is shunned and labeled as feminine; a terrible thing to be in the eyes of those who partake in this lifestyle. This means that young boys showing emotions is not acceptable to them, that crying or listening to others makes them weak.
Ingraining these ideas into these young boys lives is causing for them to grow up angry and resentful; further contributing to the negative stereotypes that they hold and their portrayals in the media. The phrase "Boys will be Boys" needs to be taken back and replaced with a positive connotation. This can be achieved by doing the exact opposite of all traits listed above, and would greatly benefit this society as a whole.
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