Let’s Talk…Toxic Masculinity
Let's Talk... Toxic Masculinity
What is Toxic Masculinity?
Toxic masculinity: Refers to unhealthy societal expectations, norms, and behaviours that are associated with traditional masculine gender roles.
Toxic masculinity is a societal construct that refers to harmful and restrictive expectations placed on men and boys to conform to certain traditional masculine norms. These expectations often include behaviours such as suppressing emotions, demonstrating dominance, avoiding vulnerability, and valuing physical strength, aggression and control.
It can negatively impact, not only, the men echoing the belief but also the people around them, in particular the women in their lives. Resulting in the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, gender inequality, and limiting the potential of humans as a whole.
Let's put it into perspective...
One way to put toxic masculinity into perspective is to understand that it is not inherent or natural, but rather a learned behavior that is perpetuated through socialization, cultural norms, and media representations. It is a set of rigid and harmful expectations that can limit the full expression of individuality and human emotions. Men who feel pressured to conform to these expectations may face negative consequences such as increased stress, mental health issues, difficulties in forming healthy relationships, and perpetuating harmful behaviors towards others.
Toxic masculinity also impacts women and people of other genders. It can contribute to gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality. For example, toxic masculinity can promote sexism, misogyny, and objectification of women, as well as discourage men from expressing emotions or engaging in caregiving roles, which can reinforce gender roles and stereotypes.
It’s important to note that toxic masculinity does not mean that all masculinity or male behavior is inherently toxic. Many men and boys reject or challenge toxic masculinity and engage in positive and healthy expressions of masculinity. However, toxic masculinity exists as a harmful social construct that can perpetuate harmful behaviors and attitudes towards men, women, and other genders.
By acknowledging and challenging toxic masculinity, we can strive for healthier and more inclusive definitions of masculinity that promote respect, empathy, emotional intelligence, and gender equality. This can help create a more equitable and supportive society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and express themselves authentically.
Media Representations of Toxic Masculinity...
Andrew Tate- Social Media Personality
A prime example of a man promoting toxic masculinity is Andrew Tate. A former professional kickboxer, entrepreneur, and social media personality who has gained attention for his provocative views on masculinity, relationships, and gender roles. He has a significant following on social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram, where he often shares his opinions and engages in controversial discussions.
Views on Andrew Tate vary widely. Some of his supporters view him as a charismatic and confident figure who promotes a positive and empowering view of masculinity, advocating for self-improvement, self-reliance, and assertiveness. They appreciate his messages about taking responsibility for one’s life, pursuing success, and rejecting what he perceives as societal weaknesses or emasculation.
However, there are also numerous critics of Andrew Tate who view his views on masculinity as harmful and regressive. They argue that his messages can perpetuate toxic masculinity by promoting harmful stereotypes, objectification of women, and promoting outdated gender roles. They criticize his controversial statements, which they perceive as misogynistic, discriminatory, and divisive.
Andrew Tate has been involved in several controversies and has faced criticism for his views and actions, including making derogatory comments about women, promoting harmful gender stereotypes, and engaging in confrontational and inflammatory behaviour online. He has been banned from some social media platforms for violating their policies, and his views have been widely debated and criticized by various communities.
It’s important to note that opinions on Andrew Tate are subjective and diverse, and individuals may have varying perspectives on his views and actions. It’s crucial to critically evaluate and consider multiple perspectives when forming an opinion on any public figure or their views. However, with that being said, it is also essential to prioritize respect, empathy, and inclusivity in discussions related to gender roles, masculinity, and social issues.
Andrew Tate 'real men don't cry'
One of his famous quotes is:
“Real men cry and if women can cry then men can cry too. There’s nothing wrong with it and there absolutely is something wrong with it and I’ll explain to you why. Life as a man is far more difficult than life as a woman. One of the key components of manhood always has been and always will be, we have the ability to control ourselves and not act emotionally. Females are more emotionally driven, more emotionally impulsive than a good man should be. Saying that I felt like crying so I cried this makes me a real man is as stupid as me saying well I felt like smashing his face in so I smashed his face in, this makes me a real man, no the hallmark of a real man is controlling himself, controlling his emotions and acting appropriately regardless of how he feels and throughout human history this is exactly how men had to live their lives ” -Andrew Tate
You can watch the 'real men don't cry' clip below
Let's Critically Analyse His Statement
Andrew Tate’s statement reflects a traditional and narrow view of gender roles and masculinity. It suggests that men should not show emotions and should strive to control their emotions at all times, as a hallmark of being a “real man.” This view implies that women are more emotional and impulsive and that men should not exhibit similar behaviour.
One perspective to consider is that the ability to express and manage emotions is not exclusive to any particular gender. Emotions are a natural and inherent part of being human, and everyone, regardless of gender, has the capacity to feel and express emotions. Labelling emotions as feminine or masculine can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and restrict individuals from expressing themselves authentically. Resulting in an imbalance of equality between the genders.
Additionally, the statement portrays life as a man as being inherently more difficult than life as a woman. This notion ignores the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals of different genders, as well as the intersecting factors such as race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more, that can influence one’s life experiences.
Furthermore, the statement suggests that controlling emotions and not acting emotionally is a requirement for being a “good man.” However, it’s important to recognize that healthy emotional expression and management involve understanding, acknowledging, and processing emotions in a constructive manner, rather than repressing or denying them. Suppressing emotions can lead to negative consequences such as mental health issues, relational problems, and stress.
It’s also important to highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of masculinity or manhood. Gender is a complex and diverse spectrum, and individuals should be free to express themselves in a way that feels authentic and true to their own identity, without adhering to societal expectations or stereotypes.
In conclusion, his statement presents a traditional and restrictive view of gender roles and masculinity, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and disregards the importance of emotional expression and management for all individuals, regardless of gender. It’s essential to challenge such narrow perspectives and promote inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance of diverse experiences of gender and emotionality.
What are your thoughts on Toxic Masculinity?
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