“Boys will be boys”, “Boys don’t cry”, “Man up!”, “No homo”, and so on.
These words are the accurate representation of what I thought about toxic masculinity. Basically, it’s the notion that men need to act tough, unemotional, and imposing such aggression or domination in order to become a “real man”.
Within our patriarchal society, of course these unhealthy behaviors are seen as normal. But little do they know, it can damaging and affect their mental health. We need to take this seriously as it can harm both men and women.
So, here’s what toxic masculinity looks like in everyday forms in my opinion:
1. Using violence to win
2. You’re anti-gays
3. Most likely to hide your emotions
4. Controlling others e.g. weaker, women, marginalized groups
5. Treating sex as a competition
It’s also worth remembering that certain traits don’t belong to just men or women. I eat like a horse, I don’t sit ladylike and I’m still a girl. Sorry not sorry mom.
Next time, if you have a guy friend who’s really insecure about his masculinity, say it’s okay to be vulnerable at times or maybe cry at times. There’s nothing wrong with showing your feminine side.
Stop glorifying toxic masculinity.
