American Masculinity

Masculinity is a concept that has been written about endlessly in American society. Scholars study its construction and effects on culture while men and women alike discuss its consequences in their own lives. A phrase often thrown around in feminist and journalistic circles is the idea of "toxic masculinity." According to Geek Feminism Wiki, toxic masculinity is "one of the ways in which Patriarchy is harmful to men. It refers to the socially-constructed attitudes that describe the masculine gender role as violent, unemotional, sexually aggressive, and so forth."

Masculinity as it exists today is sort of like a constant weight placed on men and boys that forces them to adhere to certain "codes" of manhood. This typically means that men can't show emotion, that they have to be tough guys and essentially shut down all emotions they may have. This often means that men have to be athletic and physically strong, and that they have to act as the provider for the women and family members in their lives. Perhaps one of the most harmful effects of toxic masculinity is that men simply cannot be victims and are therefore stigmatized and not believed when they are the victims of abuse and assault.

Scholar Jackson Katz explores masculinity in his work and writing, in which he often refers to a concept called the "macho paradox." In a book by the same name, Katz attempts to examine and explain why some men hurt women and why the issue of violence against women is not only a women's issue, but a man's issue too. Though Katz's work focuses on violence against women and how to prevent it, he often discusses the issues underlying why men perpetrate violence against women. Because our society values masculinity and "toughness" so much, men are expected to live up to certain ideals even if these ideals aren't who they truly are. If a teenage boy dislikes sports and prefers art instead, he is often made of fun or at the very least ignored. Men often say "no homo" to each other because God forbid they let it be known that they love someone or are homosexual.

And the issue doesn't rest on the shoulders of young men. The issue starts with how our young men are raised and taught to exist in our culture. Fathers have an immense power to raise up men who are emotional, respectful of women and their bodies, and who contribute to society. We need to create a culture that values men of all shapes, sizes, and interests and that allows men to be the emotional human beings that they are.

#Masculinity #Toxicmasculinity #JacksonKatz #Machoparadox