She Strengthens

Understanding Toxic Masculinity: Its Impact and Characteristics

Toxic masculinity has become a hot topic of discussion, but what exactly does it entail? At its core, it refers to a set of harmful masculine traits that perpetuate domination, devaluation of women, homophobia, and violence. These traits can be damaging to individuals and society as a whole.

A Brief History of Toxic Masculinity

The phrase “toxic masculinity” was coined during the mythopoetic men’s movement in the 1980s and 1990s. This movement, which was not a political group, organized male-only gatherings in the form of therapeutic workshops or wilderness retreats. The idea behind this movement was that modern society and the feminist movement had suppressed men’s “manliness,” leading to a toxic form of masculinity.

Examples of Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity can manifest in various harmful ways, including:

• Concealing feelings and emotions like sadness or grief
• Putting up a “hard” exterior
• Using violence to assert power
• Being sexually aggressive and controlling
• Glorifying violence
• Isolating from other people

The Consequences of Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity can have far-reaching consequences, including promoting negative attitudes towards women and marginalized groups. It can also lead to a “crisis in masculinity,” where men feel like their traditionally masculine traits are under attack.

Toxic Masculinity and Transphobia

According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 44 transgender or gender nonconforming people were killed by violent means in 2020. This trend is often linked to anti-trans stigma, which can directly lead to violence against trans people.

Toxic Masculinity in Relationships

Toxic masculinity can sneak into relationships, making itself at home. Warning signs include:

• Controlling decisions around money and finances
• Forcing partners to do more housework or traditional “women’s work”
• Making decisions about aspects of their partner’s body
• Always putting their own needs first

Breaking Free from Toxic Masculinity

If you’re a man, it’s essential to acknowledge that toxic masculinity is not about you; it’s about understanding its impact on others. Start small by having conversations with your friends and family about these issues. Real change takes time and effort, but it’s worth it.

Masculinity and Mental Health

Traditional masculine traits can be harmful to mental health. Men who engage in these activities are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors and may experience greater feelings of anger. It’s essential to talk about your feelings and emotions; stuffing them away can lead to more harm.

Men and Suicide

In 2019, men died by suicide 3.63 times more often than women. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, talk to someone. There are resources available to help you, including the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line.

Takeaway

Toxic masculinity plays a significant role in our daily lives, sometimes subtly and other times more obviously. By understanding its characteristics and impact, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being masculine or feminine; it’s time to move beyond traditional ideas and explore the spaces in between.