Men and the Challenges of ‘Toxic Masculinity’

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“Trump and Putin Meet in Testosterone-Fueled Face-Off” was a recent headline which implied their masculinity was the primary element in this conversation between these world leaders. Is this merely sensationalized reporting or is this a means of masking the potential effect these two men (and their coteries) could have on the world at large?

At the center of this conversation is the premise of “toxic masculinity” which is a social construct describing the masculine gender role as violent, unemotional, sexually aggressive and so on.

Does defining male relationships, particularly ones with men in positions of social, cultural or political power limit the number of choices, ideas and perspectives the men involved are willing to bring to solving the problems they are empowered to deal with?

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We want to hear your point of view: How did you acquire your view of what you think of as masculine behavior? Has a particular aspect of your view of masculinity lead to challenges or misunderstandings where you live or work?

Do you think extremes in masculinity and by extension, some of the underlying concept of patriarchy, have had a negative effect on society?

Should gender roles define how we treat each other in the world? Or are gender roles now more socially constraining, creating greater challenges for societies as different views on masculinity are coming in conflict across borders?

When you’re ready to submit, click the red box, below.

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