“Masculinity
“Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. Furthermore, you gain it by winning small battles with honour.” Norman Mailer
Introduction
Masculinity is a set of attributes, behaviours, and roles associated with boys and men. All through the history of man, the society has associated the man with strength, courage, independence, leadership and assertiveness. Winston Churchill once quoted, “A man does what he must-in spite of personal consequences, despite obstacles and dangers and pressures and that is the basis of all human morality”. Men are overly expected to be tough, never showing any signs of weakness even in times of adversity. Hereby is a reflection of how Masculinity has played a role in past, present and will be in future.
I have grown up to a society that has gender roles and stereotypes that influence the way we live as a man or a woman. As a female, I was brought up knowing it is okay to be emotional, kind and able to cook for the family. Additionally, society has accepted appearances that make us a lady beautiful. The society critically analyzes the physical complexion with expected code of dressing, maintenance of body size and above the fact that I should accept as a weak creature when in the presence of male gender.
The attached video reflects directly to what the society has treated me through my life, explaining its significance to be attached here.
Past
Perhaps quoting Tony Porter’s talk can serve the purpose of explaining just how Masculinity has been influencing young boys to men. He admits that to feel a man you had to power control over women, express emotions with anger rather than crying, should make decisions without any help as well as showing aggression and dominance.
The article by on Masculinity and violence in sport further builds a better scenario of how the vice has played its role in the past. The creation of combat sports had male counterparts in mind. These platforms would ensure that men displayed their physical might, aggression, dominance and ability persevere hardships. Rugby and boxing expose the man in physical injuries and strife. As if the two games are not enough, American football plays in the picture of aggressive games which are meant to ‘flourish’ the male players as society cheers them up.
On the journal of disadvantages of school violence, regardless of the many assault cases, men tend to be a disadvantaged lot when it comes to speaking out their issues. Traditional roles given to men from the past have caused men to suffer from the law enforcers. The strength of Masculinity meant men could not report sexual assault; survivors cannot seek help from family as well as professionals, and law enforcers condemning male sexual assault victims.
Drawing from…. Male rape, some governments are still holding to past approach about Masculinity. Laws have not been reviewed to cover male rape, such as the United Kingdom. Male is still viewed as a healthy gender who cannot be raped, instead themselves raping their female counterparts.
Perhaps, the healthy masculinity ego may be the reason why less research has been done on male sexual assault in the past.
Present
Masculinity is still rampant regardless of more undying battles that are forged towards it. Presently, patriarchy has taken root in the society with female undergoing the struggle to overcome effects associated with Masculinity. However, Emergence of social media has enabled many people to get a platform to speak their take on Masculinity and its effects on our society. Terry Crew, Tony Parker, Tarane Burke, among many other brave personalities have helped change the tone of the whole approach on Masculinity.
Basing my argument on Tarane Burke video, the society is still deep-rooted in Masculinity. Her movement to voice out fight on sexual assaults on females and males has continued to face stiff rivalry from critics who resist change on the way our modern society views Masculinity. Tony Porter believes that men are still entwined within the past beliefs that men are superior. Just as Tony was brought up in the society viewing female counterparts as weak, many modern men are still holding up to the same beliefs about Masculinity. This makes it even harder for activists such as Tarane Burke to win the fight on gender balance. Supporters of masculinity package themselves as the media bringing in politics in the fight for gender equality forging equal war to individuals like Tarane who are brave enough to stand in the gap to fight Masculinity.
Above all the struggle, there is a silver lining on breaking off from the masculinity prison. Instances of sexually assaulted survivors such as Terry Crew speaking out their experiences is slowly opposing the belief that men are not supposed to voice out their victimizations. Nowadays, men can beat masculine barriers by reporting out sexual assault and seeking help from family as well as professional assistance.
Presence of social media has made it easier for survivors to voice out their frustrations and concerns to society. The platform has given people a platform that they are using to enlighten one another on vices associated with Masculinity. Although the same social media platforms have been inappropriately used to destroy efforts made in acquiring gender sensitivity, the platforms have marked a crucial milestone in sensitization of the society on Masculinity and its effects to other members of the society.
Future
I am firmly convinced that in future, Masculinity will not determine how people are treated in society. To overcome this, we will need to sit our sons and daughters down and inspire them to pursue what only they feel they can do in this world. This means that we will all have to work to damage all stereotypes that strengthen traditional Masculinity and instead replace them with a culture that will seek to encourage men to break from the bondage of traditional Masculinity and voice out their desperations as well as perform as per their capabilities without any judgement.
Conclusion
Masculinity has persisted from the past till to date. Many are boys or have suffered in silence in their inner rooms and the public all putting the fight to impress the society. The society has formed the traditional Masculinity that has been handed over from one generation to another. Until a few decades ago, Masculinity has kept many in the imprisonment of their life experiences seeking out the balance of their capabilities to live to their ability the same time pleasing the societal norms. Arguably, there is the hope of setting ourselves from masculinity rule. With persistence in teaching our daughters and sons about the effects stereotypes associated with Masculinity, we can change the future of Masculinity in our societies.