Masculinity

Masculinity is a biological term that is used in describing the physical make up of a man. Men are naturally masculine beings. This article focuses on the social aspect of masculinity

Masculinity is a social construct that has seen a number of standards being set and expectations laid out that should define masculinity. Boys through socialization, both primary and secondary have these values instilled in them and they grow and become men with these values.

Generally boys are taught to be tough and strong. They are taught to be able to fight for themselves. Unlike with girls, help seeking behaviors are not very much expected among boys since it is regarded as a sign of weakness.

I do not have a problem with masculinity until it becomes toxic and affects one's mental health. The idea that men don't cry, men are strong is unhealthy. Men and women are emotional beings and the same way women feel pain is the same way men do. The same way women are given platforms to express their challenges without being judged should apply to men.

Gender is a social construct. The values that have been attached to genders have worked in some ways but failed in others. Women cry and express their emotions everyday. Men cannot do the same without being told to men up or be men enough. Men are even labelled "womanish" for when they express themselves and admit to having challenges.

Ever wondered why suicide is higher among men?

Ever wondered why mostly men die faster than women?

Men have mental health issues that stay unresolved. They have so many battles they fight in silence. They have things that affect them that can be solved if talked about. The problem is that society is not as ready to solve men's problems as it is when its a woman going through a similar problem.

Mental health is a not a women's issue, it is for humans. Society should stop making life difficult for men by creating barriers ti seeking help. Talking about issues shoukd be normalised among men. Men should be allowed to break down and cry without facing judgement. Men should be able to report abuse without the fear of being called "weak". Men should be listened to.

We can not fight depression and win if men are still expected to be "men enough". As long as men cannot talk and come out with their issues and problems, depression, suicide and other mental health related problems will be here to stay.

Toxic masculinity must fall

We should do better as a generation

We shoulf learn to drop values that are not helpful and build healthy societies for everyone regardless of their gender. Biology has already defined our differences, hence there is no need to come up with toxic social constructs that do not help us become better people.

Men are abused and fear to report and talk about it because they are rarely listened to. Young boys and girls should be taught that it is very normal for a men to be a victim and it is normal for them to talk about it. Let us normalising addressing mental health problems among humans without creating borders and barriers using gender.

In conclusion, masculity is natural. It is how men are biologically made. However it becomes toxic when certain values are attached to it and the values stand as a barrier in men's efforts to have a healthy mental and social life. For men to have a healthy social lifestyle, they should be allowed to seek help, talk about issues, break down,cry among other things that happen when one is going through a hard time.

Stop labelling men as weak

Stop being a reason why a men is scared to seek help

It is toxic and unhealthy.

Let us build healthy societies for everyone!

Have a great week🤗🤗