Toxic Masculinity

Toxic Masulinity

Definition

‘A set of attitudes and ways of behaving stereotypically associated with or expected of men, regarded as having a negative impact on men and on society as a whole.’ “the destructive messages associated with toxic masculinity can lead to men feeling entitled to engage in violence against women”

How does this effect me?

In simpler terms, it’s the pressure placed on a man, by society, to have a strong physique, zero emotions and act in an aggressive dominant way. It’s being told to ‘man up’, being called gay for liking something slightly feminine, its ‘boys don’t cry’ and its harmful to everyone. This need for superiority and conformity to masculine behaviour puts women at risk and disregards women’s basic human rights. But why is it important?

It’s important because it effectes everyone, and more than you think. It’s the root of many societal issues, such as violence against women, male suicide rates and homophobia. But it’s hard to miss. We see it so frequently in media and pop culture that it’s become normalized. Young men are constantly presented with toxic male culture and what it’s like to be a ‘man’. It’s now so embedded within society that we don’t know any different. It’s what the patriarchy was built upon.

There’s no denying that masculinity won’t disappear from our lives, but what we can do is learn to understand how that quickly becomes a dangerous thing and start to rewrite the societal norms of ‘being a man’.

Here are some core components that may help you recognise toxic masculinity

Toughness. The notion that men should be physically strong, emotionless and aggressive. Antifeminine. Men should reject anything that it considered feminine, such as showing emotion or confiding in someone for help. Power. The belief that men will only be respected if they obtain power, socially and financially.