The Mask of Masculinity 

- the traditional role of men is evolving 

Connor Beaton 

TEDxStanleyPark

According to the speaker of this interesting Ted talk Connor Beaton the biggest challenge the men faces today is to overcome the negative stereotype of masculinity – ability to

Dominate,

Control &

Succeed

At all costs.

Young boys learn the lesson very early in life that emotional & creative expression like singing is not for boys/men but for girls/women.

Not Feminism but Machoism is the real threat to masculinity today

Machoism – a strong sense of masculine pride with the supreme valuation of characteristics culturally associated with masculinity and denigration or devaluation of characteristics associated with Feminine.

‘Lone Wolf’ is the mark of a ‘Real Man’  a ‘Mask of Masculinity”

Cultural Rules for Boys/Men

         ·     Don’t cry

         ·     Don’t express emotions openly unless it’s anger

         ·     No Empathy 

         ·     Strength in retaliation

         ·     Need to be tough/strong

         ·     Don’t be like a woman

Consequences

·     4 times more suicides for men

·     50% of men above 25 cannot identify their best friend

·     No one to talk to about the problems they are facing

·     Struggling in Jobs

·     Struggling Financially

·     Find themselves Alone, Isolated & Depressed

3 Things every Man/Woman should live by

                1.  Honour

                2.  Respect

                3.  Love

Love is not a sign of weakness. Love is the most powerful mechanism in the hands of humans. It is for women and it is for men.

Men should start meaningful conversations about the struggles they are facing rather than bottling up inside.