While society has done well to begin ridding the world of toxic masculinity, it still often hides in plain sight, subtly affecting behaviors and shaping attitudes. Sadly, social media and influencers are only making this a bigger problem among young men today. Here is a list of toxic masculinity traits that deserve more attention and need to be addressed regularly.
Emotional Suppression
Men are frequently taught that expressing emotions shows weakness, which is sad. As Health Central reveals, this belief leads many to bottle up their feelings, which can result in emotional and mental health problems. Instead of embracing vulnerability, they often put on a stoic front, denying themselves the comfort of emotional release.
Dominance Over Others
Society often pressures men to assert dominance in their personal and professional lives. This urge to control or overpower others can manifest in aggressive behavior and a refusal to collaborate. It undermines healthy relationships and fosters environments where equality and mutual respect struggle to thrive, so it’s really something we should strive to end.
Disdain for Femininity
Unfortunately, toxic masculinity often equates femininity with inferiority, leading to a rejection or ridicule of anything perceived as “feminine.” This disdain reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and discourages men from exploring a full range of human experiences. It also perpetuates negative attitudes toward women, which we can all agree isn’t fair.
Fear of Appearing Weak
Many men are conditioned to avoid anything that might make them seem weak in the eyes of others. This fear drives them to avoid seeking help, whether for physical or mental health issues or in situations where vulnerability is necessary. This reluctance only exacerbates problems, leading to longer-term consequences.
Aggressive Competition
Another toxic masculinity trait we need to start calling out is being over-competitive. While being competitive is often encouraged as a sign of strength, toxic masculinity can take this too far, promoting aggression over collaboration. This mindset can lead to unhealthy rivalries, where winning becomes more important than personal integrity or the well-being of others.
Objectification of Women
Sadly, viewing women as objects rather than equals is an all too common aspect of toxic masculinity. This behavior reduces women to their physical appearance or perceived usefulness, stripping away their individuality and humanity. This perpetuates sexism and contributes to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected, which is just plain wrong.
Dismissing Consent
One of the most toxic beliefs that some men hold is that they’re entitled to women’s bodies or affection, completely dismissing the importance of consent. This mindset fuels inappropriate behavior and can result in serious violations. It should go without saying that respecting boundaries is crucial for healthy interactions, yet toxic masculinity often ignores this fundamental principle.
Homophobia and Transphobia
Another terrible aspect of toxic masculinity that needs to stop is how it often manifests in homophobic and transphobic attitudes driven by fear and ignorance. Men who express non-traditional masculinity are often targets of ridicule or violence. These harmful behaviors stem from the belief that deviation from traditional gender norms threatens one’s own masculinity.
Reluctance to Engage in Caregiving
Whether in parenting or supporting others, caregiving roles are often viewed as feminine and, therefore, beneath men who subscribe to toxic masculinity. This reluctance not only limits men’s experiences but also places an unfair burden on women. Essentially, it’s a lose-lose for both parties.
Valorizing Violence
Historically, violence has always been glorified as a sign of masculine strength or a way to solve problems. This belief encourages aggressive behavior as a means of asserting power or dominance, undermining peaceful conflict resolution, and creating a culture where physical force is seen as an acceptable solution.
Avoidance of Intimacy
Men who are taught to avoid emotional vulnerability often struggle with intimacy, fearing it makes them appear weak or dependent. This avoidance can lead to shallow relationships for both them and their partners, where deep connections are missing. Overcoming this fear is essential for developing meaningful and fulfilling bonds with others, but sadly, this is easier said than done.
Repression of Creativity
For some reason, creativity is sometimes dismissed by those who adhere to toxic masculinity, as it is often associated with emotional expression or perceived as non-masculine. This repression limits personal growth and deprives men of enriching experiences that could enhance their lives and perspectives. They really don’t realize what they’re missing out on.
Hypersexualization
The pressure to be hypersexual is another aspect of toxic masculinity, where men feel they must constantly prove their worth in the bedroom. This obsession can lead to unhealthy attitudes toward sex and relationships, where intimacy is reduced to conquest rather than connection. It distorts perceptions of healthy sexual behavior, which is particularly troubling considering how many young people subscribe to this view.
Disregard for Self-Care
Another toxic masculinity trait we need to call out more often is how self-care is often seen as unnecessary or indulgent, leading men to neglect their own well-being. The expectation to be tough and endure hardship without complaint discourages men from seeking help or taking time for themselves, and ultimately, this neglect can have serious implications for both physical and mental health.
Ridicule of Non-Traditional Roles
Men who take on roles that are not traditionally masculine, such as stay-at-home dads or nurses, often face ridicule or judgment. This stigmatization discourages men from pursuing careers or lifestyles that might be more fulfilling but don’t conform to traditional gender expectations. All this achieves is unhappiness, which seems like such a waste.
Refusal to Apologize
Finally, the refusal to apologize is a common trait in toxic masculinity, where admitting fault is seen as a sign of weakness. This stubbornness prevents men from taking responsibility for their actions and can lead to damaged relationships and unresolved conflicts. In reality, apologizing is not a weakness but a strength that builds trust and respect.