What comes to mind when you think of men? Strong, bearded, growly, masculine blokes? The worker, the grafter, the breadwinner? Sport obsessed, smart, suited leaders? What do our men who don’t fit these stereotypes fall under and why is this deemed to be toxic masculinity?
In a world increasingly aware of itself, inclusion, equality and mindfulness, there is a large portion of the male population who do not fit the above. This leads to statistics massively stacked against the survival rate of our Chaps.
What is Toxic Masculinity?
Over the last several years the phrase “toxic masculinity” has become somewhat of a focus for mental health groups and campaigns for equality. The expectation of men to live up to the afore mentioned attributes has been bubbling under the surface for far too long.
For many of us, seeing your dad cry has probably never happened. Why? Everybody gets sad, surely that doesn’t change just because you can use the toilet standing up? The reason men tend to show less emotion, is the societal pressure to “just be a man about it”.
In the animal kingdom, the lion stands as king of the jungle and the alpha male of the pack, a dominant, powerful and feared beast. The other males contend with the alpha and each other to establish an order, a hierarchy. When a male lion is critically injured or old, they can be disowned by the pack.
We are not beasts. What separates us from the animal kingdom, is critical thinking and language. Well, critical thinking, language and trousers, actually.
We can express ourselves and our intentions towards each other in much more detail than the lion. Therefore, our successes rely much less on the brute force of masculinity, than the brute force of intelligence, drive and determination.
The Difference
One of the worlds greatest scientists, professor and author, Stephen Hawking, was physically disabled beyond even the ability to speak. Yet this man was known the world over, and his works have led to some of our most advanced discoveries and understandings of the universe in which we live. He was the leader of a pack.
And this is the time we now live. Your accomplishments and successes are not built solely on your physical prowess. Elon Musk is worth more than Connor McGregor. I’m sure Connor could get his pin number out of him quick enough, but could Elon not fire him off to Mars? Who knows?
The point is this, defining masculinity as we have done leads to mental health issues, which lead to men suffering in silence and in turn leads to the untimely demise of thousands of men each year. Of 800,000 deaths each year from suicide, men account for double that of women.
International Men’s Day falls in November year in year out. Each year, the Movember campaign, initially set to raise awareness of testicular cancer, now extends its olive branch to men’s mental health and indeed all aspects of men’s health.
We need our kings to be kings in their own rights, for their own reasons and in their own capacity. Your support gives them the power to believe and achieve.
Fathers, talk to your sons. Tell them you love them. Do not be afraid to cry, to embrace, to hold and cherish your sons. Accept each other for who you are, do not push or drive the stereotypes of the past. We need our men of the future to be strong in as many departments as possible.
We also need them to know how to treat women. Teach your future kings about respect, about empathy and about kindness.
The Answer
For equality to truly flourish in society, there needs to be a shift and that shift is happening continuously. As we work towards that brighter future, talk to your men. Your fathers, brothers, uncles, nephews, your friends, your family. Be open, be accepting, be there.
At Chaps & Co, we push for the betterment of mankind in every possible way. This might start with your hair, but it extends much further than that. Our Barbers didn’t get this far without being able to listen, advise or talk. If you need to talk, their ears are open. You can choose a location here.
If you don’t need a haircut, but need to talk, there are other routes for you to take. Check https://internationalmensday.com/ for links to resources, information and ways to raise awareness, all associated with helping fellow man.
The best way to #KeepItHandsome – is to #KeepItConfident. Confidence comes from within, when you’re at peace with yourself, you are the best you. Own it.
What comes to mind when you think of men? Strong, bearded, growly, masculine blokes? The worker, the grafter, the breadwinner? Sport obsessed, smart, suited leaders? What do our men who don’t fit these stereotypes fall under and why is this deemed to be toxic masculinity?
In a world increasingly aware of itself, inclusion, equality and mindfulness, there is a large portion of the male population who do not fit the above. This leads to statistics massively stacked against the survival rate of our Chaps.
What is Toxic Masculinity?
Over the last several years the phrase “toxic masculinity” has become somewhat of a focus for mental health groups and campaigns for equality. The expectation of men to live up to the afore mentioned attributes has been bubbling under the surface for far too long.
For many of us, seeing your dad cry has probably never happened. Why? Everybody gets sad, surely that doesn’t change just because you can use the toilet standing up? The reason men tend to show less emotion, is the societal pressure to “just be a man about it”.
In the animal kingdom, the lion stands as king of the jungle and the alpha male of the pack, a dominant, powerful and feared beast. The other males contend with the alpha and each other to establish an order, a hierarchy. When a male lion is critically injured or old, they can be disowned by the pack.
We are not beasts. What separates us from the animal kingdom, is critical thinking and language. Well, critical thinking, language and trousers, actually.
We can express ourselves and our intentions towards each other in much more detail than the lion. Therefore, our successes rely much less on the brute force of masculinity, than the brute force of intelligence, drive and determination.
The Difference
One of the worlds greatest scientists, professor and author, Stephen Hawking, was physically disabled beyond even the ability to speak. Yet this man was known the world over, and his works have led to some of our most advanced discoveries and understandings of the universe in which we live. He was the leader of a pack.
And this is the time we now live. Your accomplishments and successes are not built solely on your physical prowess. Elon Musk is worth more than Connor McGregor. I’m sure Connor could get his pin number out of him quick enough, but could Elon not fire him off to Mars? Who knows?
The point is this, defining masculinity as we have done leads to mental health issues, which lead to men suffering in silence and in turn leads to the untimely demise of thousands of men each year. Of 800,000 deaths each year from suicide, men account for double that of women.
International Men’s Day falls in November year in year out. Each year, the Movember campaign, initially set to raise awareness of testicular cancer, now extends its olive branch to men’s mental health and indeed all aspects of men’s health.
We need our kings to be kings in their own rights, for their own reasons and in their own capacity. Your support gives them the power to believe and achieve.
Fathers, talk to your sons. Tell them you love them. Do not be afraid to cry, to embrace, to hold and cherish your sons. Accept each other for who you are, do not push or drive the stereotypes of the past. We need our men of the future to be strong in as many departments as possible.
We also need them to know how to treat women. Teach your future kings about respect, about empathy and about kindness.
The Answer
For equality to truly flourish in society, there needs to be a shift and that shift is happening continuously. As we work towards that brighter future, talk to your men. Your fathers, brothers, uncles, nephews, your friends, your family. Be open, be accepting, be there.
At Chaps & Co, we push for the betterment of mankind in every possible way. This might start with your hair, but it extends much further than that. Our Barbers didn’t get this far without being able to listen, advise or talk. If you need to talk, their ears are open. You can choose a location here.
If you don’t need a haircut, but need to talk, there are other routes for you to take. Check https://internationalmensday.com/ for links to resources, information and ways to raise awareness, all associated with helping fellow man.
The best way to #KeepItHandsome – is to #KeepItConfident. Confidence comes from within, when you’re at peace with yourself, you are the best you. Own it.
