Women Might Be The Only Ones Who Can Help Men Recover From Toxic Masculinity
Start writing a post
Politics

Women Might Be The Only One's Who Can Help Men Recover From Toxic Masculinity

How We Can Help

189
Women Might Be The Only One's Who Can Help Men Recover From Toxic Masculinity

Do I think that women should be responsible for dismantling the system of toxic masculinity that permeates American society despite being the ones who are constantly marred by it? No.

Do I think that women are able just as capable, if not more so, of initiating positive change within the cycle of teaching toxic masculinity? Yes.

For those whose first introduction to toxic masculinity is this article, I'll explain exactly what I mean when I refer to it. Toxic masculinity is a cycle of teaching and enforcing strict gender roles upon children that encourage them to de-value "feminine" attributes. Toxic masculinity deters boys and men from having deep interpersonal connections with other men in fear of being "womanly" or "gay". Toxic masculinity teaches young men to be violent, angry, and to keep all other emotions to themselves. Toxic masculinity is dangerous, for men, for women, for everyone.

Although I realize toxic masculinity is rooted in a complex patriarchal system, I think that it can be, and must be, destroyed. And who better to begin the annihilation of this horrible ideology than women? Women have been fighting against patriarchy and toxic values since the beginning of time. Mothers are often encouraging and comforting. They often help their children pursue healthy relationships. Not only mothers but women all over the planet have dealt with the backlash of toxic masculinity. Women have dealt with degradation, violence, hatred, disrespect because men have been taught that this is okay.

I do not think it should be the responsibility of women to have to reteach their male friends, peers, their fathers, their brothers, their partners, or their families. But I think women have a unique capability of giving men encouragement that they probably seldom get anywhere else. I say, encourage men to be kind, to be emotional, to be friendly. Encourage men to have meaningful and emotional relationships with other men. Remind men that they don't need to be angry or violent to be heard. Teach men that they are not owed anything, they have no entitlement to what they desire. Remind men that they are important, strong, and capable.

I think men are hurting. I think they are lost, many are angry, and even more are sad. I am tired of seeing young men commit crimes or suicide. I want men to value their lives, I want men to value themselves. Again, I think women have a unique love that helps comfort people and nourish their souls. I think a lot of men could use a woman's help.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43989
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27684
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952501
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

150247
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments