Women usually complain that the media pressures them to look a certain way. Ladies complain that from the advertisements to the supermodels on cover magazines, a certain stereotype is expected of all women. According to media, women are supposed to be skinny and feminine. A woman’s curves and contours have overly being politicized in reactionary rhetoric. But we as ladies, have we ever taken time to consider that men to feel pressured by the media to fit a certain gender stereotype?
From an early age, boys are taught how to be “Tough”. According to most society’s, a real man is physically strong, dominant.
Most advertisements and movies depict violent male icons with toned muscles. Most male icons are super strong athletes, superheroes and war heroes who have famed their infamy through violent actions. These has enhanced the notion that men have always been aggressive and brutal and that their dominance over women is biologically based.
This “real man” seen throughout several male icons in movies and advertisements is almost impossible to fully achieve. So why does the male gender take strides to achieve this physically strong aggressive masculine persona? Is it because they feel dissatisfied and insecure making them compelled to grasp tightly onto these male icons who are violent? I personally do not find it wrong or repulsive when a man engages himself in childcare. There is nothing wrong with showering love to your children. In fact, this is going to strengthen the father- child relationship.
Aren’t there males who are happiest being a stay at home dad and providing for their families by taking care of the kids and doing chores around the house? Who are we to question these males masculinity just because they do not fit into the male stereotype we have in our minds?
I do not feel like male violence is a gene found in their DNA. It is natured. It is taught and observed throughout their lifetime. It is not predetermined before birth.
Currently a crisis of masculinity is being witnessed around the world. Men have started valuing their mental health over societal pressures.
We have all heard the phrases hurled at men. Phrases like; man up, you just need a drink, suck it up, get over it, do not talk about that, be a man, therapy is for the weak, buzz kill, just sleep it off, girls want a tough guy, you are too soft, men do not get depressed, I do not want to hear about your feelings, loser, and many more.
A report by who showed that men constitute 76% of suicides. The constitute 85% of homeless people. Men are victims of 40% of domestic abuse. Are the victims of most violent crimes? Serve 64% longer prison sentences. 92% of deaths in the workplace is the male gender. Lastly, they are 3 or 4 times more likely to be imprisoned for the same crime.
It’s time to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices that a man makes for his family and society. So let us talk about men and encourage our men. Because; men can be tough, men can cry, men can be silent, men can talk, men can get help, men can have problems, and men can be empowered too.
The meaning of the phrase “what it means to be a man” is changing. This is due to influences such as urbanization, religion, gender development initiatives and unemployment. The traditional role of men has always been to be a protector and provider. But due to the unemployment rates in the world, men are unable to fulfill this obligations. Women on the hand, particularly in cities, are increasingly redefining gender relations as they move from childcare to business or from housework to politics. This has left many men wondering what their role is in contemporary society.
I believe men do not need to be the sole provider. This responsibility can be shared between a husband and wife. And can actually foster respect between them two. When you are the sole breadwinner of the house, it can lead to narcissistic tendencies. For example being commanding towards your family or becoming violent. Since you are the only provider, your family will do nothing to stop you.
The emphasis placed on work and importance of providing for their families during their early years have contributed to men placing work at a higher priority over their health. This has led to an imbalance in their lives. The lack of taking care of their physical health is not because of their lack of interest in health. To help cope with this, men can work with spouses, family members and community members to provide more support for men’s participation in physical activities, and to change social and cultural norms to increase the amount of physical activity that men engage in during leisure times and social events.
Interventions to improve men’s health behaviors might begin by recognizing men’s life priorities, and working with them to determine how to more effectively incorporate and sustain a program of regular physical activity.
In our current society it’s hard to just be yourself. As a result of societal pressures, many have become prisoners in prisons of their own making.
So dear men, it is ok to cry. Proving yourself is not the goal in life. You do not always have to be strong. Feelings are not just for ladies. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You are allowed to hurt. You do not need to carry everything alone. It is ok to show more than just anger.
Remember: Suicide is real, mental health is real. Be careful what you do or say to people.
Magical Health And Wellness By Soni 