Topic 6: Toxic Masculinity
As a teenager living in 21st century, I am aware of an on going pattern that I see in society. On this episode of #SlayUnapologeticallywithStantara , where we talk on topics that aren’t talked about enough in the media, we will be focusing on the topic of: “Toxic Masculinity”
So what is toxic masculinity?
Well there are many definitions of Toxic Masculinity,one of them being:”Social expectations that males should seek to be dominant (the “alpha male”) and limit their emotional range primarily to expressions of anger.”
Toxic masculinity is a topic that isn’t talked about widely, especially in the younger generation. We are surrounded by music videos, movies and other forms of media, of our favourite celebrities looking a certain way or acting in a certain way and we think that that’s how we are supposed to act. We see a culture of ridiculous stereotypes of how we should look. In the case for males, mainly being muscular etc (Yes… reality shock, boys also face body insecurity which I will touch on more in another episode where we talk about Body Confidence.)
Toxic potrayals in society of what being ‘masculine’ looks like influences all kinds of things in society such as knife crime, domestic violence, mental illnesses etc because our males were taught that to be masculine = To be feared. When really it’s about the ability in being strong but still sensitive, tough and still tender, leader and a lover and most importantly respecting yourself as well as others, using all of the traits that God has given you to be the best version of yourself.
Did you know that the rates for suicide are higher in males than in females? And I’m sure we can all guess what factor plays a part in this. How can we grow telling our boys to “man up” & don’t show any emotion, then wonder why they don’t know how to express themselves, especially in relationships.
So how can we improve this ?
Let’s educate ourselves, our siblings, family and friends + Anyone who wants to hear and who doesn’t, of the importance of Being all these qualities and on the importance of Self care being for Everyone ! Not just a particular gender . #SlayUnapologetically readers, let’s once again Break the stereotypes that we have been fed and educate and change the world 🌎
Starring Stantara 