I am a feminist and man that seeks to recognize and promote pathways for men to live positive and healthy lives and remedy the negative effects of restrictive masculinities. Focusing on masculinity is not a distraction from problems with women, other genders, or "diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice". I believe it is the most effective way to properly address them.
We live in a society where men are valued for stoicism over authenticity, dominance over empathy, and any wrong action could "take their man card away." This is unhealthy for society. In fact, in 2019, the American Psychological Association published guidelines that took direct aim at what it called “traditional masculinity — marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggression” — declaring it to be, “on the whole, harmful.” Men are falling behind women in higher education, suffer disproportionately from drug overdoses, and are far more likely to commit suicide.
I've been privileged to have freedom with my sexuality and gender despite being a man. It was only recently that I have begun to recognize that traditional masculinity can restrict men from leading positive lives, which negatively affects our society. Thus, I am actively working hard to understand and determine how I can help.
We live in a society where men are valued for stoicism over authenticity, dominance over empathy, and any wrong action could "take their man card away." This is unhealthy for society. In fact, in 2019, the American Psychological Association published guidelines that took direct aim at what it called “traditional masculinity — marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggression” — declaring it to be, “on the whole, harmful.” Men are falling behind women in higher education, suffer disproportionately from drug overdoses, and are far more likely to commit suicide.
I've been privileged to have freedom with my sexuality and gender despite being a man. It was only recently that I have begun to recognize that traditional masculinity can restrict men from leading positive lives, which negatively affects our society. Thus, I am actively working hard to understand and determine how I can help.