How many times have you heard the saying ‘big man don’t cry’ or ‘man up’ ? it’s hard to remember because it’s more times than you can count. We are discussing the topic of traditional masculinity. Traditional masculinity can be defined as the way in which a man expresses himself to society through his confidence, boldness and dominance. Often times traditional masculinity is misconceived as toxic masculinity due to generational gaps and labels. Toxic masculinity isn’t just about behaving like a man. It also involves the notion that men should be emotionally callous, act superior and powerful, physically strong and reject anything that is considered feminine.
Arguably, masculinity is misunderstood as men being taught to be ‘tough’, be the patriarch, and providers of their household. With this teaching any semblance of compassion, care or vulnerability is viewed as a man being feminine. Traditional masculinity can also be misconstrued as toxic based on a man’s level of assertiveness. Therefore, we should be mindful of labelling men toxic when they are simply being assertive. However, in our society today we see where women are becoming powerful and dominating in certain areas and while some men understand that women are evolving others don’t. Some believe that this is an attack on traditional masculinity and men have to become powerless in order for women to become powerful. Men can honour, recognise and value women in the world without losing their masculinity.
So let’s all be conscious not to misinterpret a man’s confidence, assertiveness and boldness as toxic masculinity.
Click here to see full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFeCXOvFePk
