When a man can’t walk down the street wearing a baby carrier without being called emasculated, it’s clear that something needs to change about what we define as masculinity.
And so British writer Caitlin Moran, author of How To Be a Woman and How To Build a Girl, put a call out on Twitter asking men what the downsides to being a man are. “We discuss the downsides of being a woman very frequently—but what’s going on with you lovely guys?” she asked.
The responses, from both men and women, were varied but highlighted a common thread—the impact of toxic masculinity on men’s well-being and mental health.
Some answers reflected on feelings of alienation and loneliness.
Others spoke of the pressure of having to hide their emotions.
Some spoke of having to "quarantine" from women and children "because of a few terrible men".
Pressure and expectations around sex was another common thread.
Some men revealed they were unsure with how to navigate #MeToo.
Many man admitted struggling to fit into the mould of the sports-loving Alpha male.
Parenting was another recurring theme.
And some just wanted to feel free to have a skin care regime and watch Queer Eye.
For help or information call:
SANE Australia helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263)
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