After the readings and class discussion regarding the geographies of men's fears, I wanted to delve into this topic even further. I came across a Ted Talks video called "The Mask of Masculinity." In it, Connor Beaton shared his personal experiences into what lead him into this line of work along with his insights as to how we can move forward on this issue in a positive light. Societal standards for "acting like a man" come from macho-ism. To display characteristics that are seen as manly, and they are often acted out through anger, aggression, or self-consciousness. Men feel the need to display dominating behavior when their insecurities are most present in their lives. Phrases such as, "Don't be a pussy," or "Quit acting like a bitch," make other males put up a front, but only for so long until it almost becomes apart of who they are. It is this exact talk that leads to women being abused, raped, and mutilated.
It starts with the sons of the world. To teach them love, respect, and honor can go a long way into building a better future. A future where men are not afraid to reach out to talk about what is really going on in their lives. A future where there is not a sixty percent increase in male suicides over the last forty-five to fifty years due to the mask of masculinity. Males need to know it is okay to show, and act out other emotions besides anger and aggression. Everyone, not just men, can do something now to work towards a better tomorrow. Taking away the mask will not only do wonders for men, but for women as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmkFdAMFGXo
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteIt is really insightful how you further explored this topic of “Geographies of men’s fear” in a different dimension. Your thoughts coupled with Connor Beaton’s brought to mind some suicides which occurred in Ghana (my home country) few months ago. Although these incidents happened in different parts of the country, the suicide committers were all young men who could not identify with people they could call friends, to share their problems with, and for that matter decided to end their lives, leaving behind suicidal notes which explained the challenges they were facing. Reminiscing these incidences, I found some truth in Connor’s speech, where he mentions that a research conducted in UK, proved that, 60% increase in male suicides are based on feeling of loneliness, and fear of being labelled a “woman”.
Sincerely, these phraseologies and expectations of “manliness” are making me see the need for awareness campaigns, which will present men as people with emotions too.