Having freedom outside rigid definitions of masculinity is not about turning boys into girls. It is about shaping a culture of empathy; giving boys permission to develop all emotions, deal with their own pain, encouraging good media messages, and encouraging boys and young men to redefine what is masculine.
How to be a Man: Messages on Masculinity – Part 7
There are many expectations our culture places on masculinity. If we continue to ignore or push aside these messages, they are not likely to change.
How to be a Man: Messages on Masculinity – Part 6
Our culture is consistently sending mixed messages about masculinity and sexuality. In this sixth part, we will examine those mixed messages and the statistics as presented in the documentary The Mask You Live In. Political scientist & educator Dr. Caroline Heldman says, “I call what we do to our little … Read More
How To Be a Man: Messages on Masculinity, Part 5
In this fifth part on the topic of masculinity, we will examine the influence of media on society’s views of masculinity. There are many examples of masculinity in the media; video games, music, movies, and TV equate a man with being dominant and aggressive. These archetypes project masculinity often through … Read More
How to be a Man: Messages on Masculinity- Part Four
In this fourth blog on the topic of masculinity, we will examine how the definition of masculinity shapes ideas about relationships and coping, for boys and young men. In kindergarten, a shift begins in the rules of boys playing with girls. If boys do play with girls, or appear weak, … Read More
How to be a Man: Messages on Masculinity- Part Three
Many aspects of our society influence the definition of masculinity. In this third part of our series on Messages on Masculinity, we will examine how schools shape ideas about masculinity through educators and coaches, as presented in the documentary The Mask You Live In. According to sociologist and educator Dr. Pedro … Read More
How to be a Man: Messages on Masculinity- Part Two
Our definition of masculinity is shaped and maintained by many factors in our society. In part one of this series, we explored issues surrounding our culture’s definition of masculinity and discussed the topics as they are presented in the documentary The Mask You Live In. In this second part, we … Read More
How To Be A Man: Messages on Masculinity- Part 1
The message, “Be a man” or “Man up” is the source of great shame for many men and boys. This message often keeps men trapped from being who they really are, and it maintains feelings of isolation. This idea of masculinity is socially regulated by parents, educators, coaches, peers, and … Read More
Toxic Masculinity
When it comes to toxic masculinity, the most courageous step we can take is speaking up — whether that means saying how we feel, apologizing for a behavior, or even asking someone for help.
Understanding Emotions and Masculinity – Part Two
Discussing toxic masculinity is not saying men are bad or evil, and the term is NOT an assertion that men are naturally violent. Instead, the conversation is about how toxic masculinity takes away something from men.
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