An Analysis of Toxic Masculinity
A concept that has existed since ancient times, but in quite modern times it is causing more and more protests and cries for help. Many men feel targeted and fear judgment. But why, who is behind this sick idea of toxic masculinity? Are women or society (including men) as a whole? First of all, what is toxic masculinity? Toxic masculinity is the concept and belief of many (men and women) that the male gender should be more courageous, macho, daring. If a man refuses to do something, he is often ridiculed or called a coward. Although women also face this, but men are victims of it more.
Many believe that being more masculine is the nature of all men and this is confirmed by ancient evidence. According to many religions and in general, since the beginning of time, men have been told to do the “dirty” work while women should do the housework… This concept annoys many, both men and women (as does the concept of toxic masculinity). Over the past decade, there have been more and more gender equality protests. While the fact that men are forced to do the “heavier” work irritates many males, this particular issue can raise questions about toxic masculinity.
What the reason for such gender roles, are they beliefs? A morality that has been spreading in society for a long time? Or is it simple because of the physical features of the male body compared to the female? Biology shows that men have more muscle mass than women. Studies have shown that since the beginning of time, this has been the case. This does not mean, however, that men should not help a female in the household and vice versa for females. Many religions preach to treat your family, spouse, children as well as (or better) you would want to be treated. (citation) How has toxic masculinity impacted men mentally? Mentally, men seem to suffer more. How does toxic masculinity play into this? Although men are often the cause of bad mental health in others (abusiveness, both physical and mental, etc..), men are also often expected to be able to get through more things.
A prime example of this is that whilst 72% of women suffering from depression seek immediate therapy, only 60% of depressed men seek therapy. Although there could be cases in which access to therapy is limited, in many other cases men may believe that they’re “too soft” or should be able to get through things by themselves. This belief is molded firmly into men by two main things, upbringings and society. Young adult males may have a rough childhood and have to assume the role of the “man of the family” at a young age. It is at this age that young adults (of both genders) need their parents of equal gender most.
The society also teaches men that they should have different feelings or should have a tougher outlook on men, and there isn’t a single person, nor group that is really behind this. Society has been like this for as long as can be remembered through history, especially after The Industrial Revolution, gender roles have been more prominent in society. This is wrong as all humans have equal feelings, no matter the gender, race, or beliefs. Humans should be treated based on their actions. (citation) A common belief is that although men do suffer, they should be held accountable for the suffering they have caused in their own families as well. Society is not a person, nor a certain gender, nor a group of a certain people. Rather, society is more generally a social network of beliefs and ideas popularized through the people, through everyone. Yes, men do cause ruin in their families.
Yes, men do ruin relationships more harshly than women. And although men have their flaws, they also have their own difficulties. Not all men are flawed this bad, neither is any human. These flaws are caused through a rough upbringing, addictions, or other things. Among these other things, toxic masculinity is one. Sometimes, this idea that men have to be tougher may even lead to an internal belief that they should be more powerful, or dominant. This is also a flawed idea passed down through society originated through toxic masculinity. (citation)
In conclusion, neither men nor women are accountable for toxic masculinity, nor the 350% increase in suicide in men over the last three years. This foreign, ancient idea has been passed on through generations upon generations. There is no obvious one person(s) who are responsible for this rather, a people. And several groups of them at that. Many people (INCLUDING MEN) have believed in this idea and supported it, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The impact of this as well as many others on men, though, is undeniable.
