Any campaign against ‘toxic masculinity’ must start with men
The norms of the “tough guy,” propped up by the precepts of toxic masculinity, endanger us all, not least by enabling men to grasp onto the entitled concept that violence against women is acceptable, and by increasing the odds that poor mental health, from years of shuttering feelings, can result in larger societal violence.
When you visualize the classic “tough guy” white ribbed tank undershirt, it’s a good guess that a certain term springs to mind.
You guessed it – “wife-beater.”
The commonplace nature of this slang term is one of the countless indicators that gender-based violence is thriving in our society through the insidious track of toxic masculinity.
Recently, The Dispatch published the article “What is toxic masculinity? How we define what it means to be a man affects violence, relationships” by Eric Lagatta.
The article did an excellent job depicting toxic masculinity’s life-altering effects on men and boys, but it is equally important to highlight its effects on women, our communities and society. There is a critical intersection between toxic masculinity, gender-based (domestic) violence and societal violence, such as mass shootings.
Toxic masculinity teaches that certain qualities are designated for men and others for women, and holds rigidly to the idea of a right and wrong way to be male. Examples of toxic masculinity’s “right” way to be a man include not doing chores, being “tough” and unemotional, and using violence to get respect.
Much of the behavior we have come to know as “toxic masculinity” is rooted in patriarchy, on which our nation was founded. As mentioned in the article, in the mindset of toxic masculinity, anything perceived to be “feminine” becomes “less than,” and not worthy of respect.
The statement “boys will be boys” hearkens the domineering spirit that leads to sexual and intimate partner violence.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a document called “Connecting the Dots: An Overview of the Links Among Multiple Forms of Violence” that illustrates how different forms of violence are interconnected.
It explains that “understanding the overlapping causes of violence and the things that can protect people and communities is important, and can help us better address violence in all its forms.” This includes “norms in society or in communities that support aggression or coercion.” Toxic masculinity is a tragic norm.
A recent study published in the journal Preventive Medicine made a direct correlation between the perpetuation of traditional (toxic) masculinity, poor mental health and violent behavior.
The norms of the “tough guy,” propped up by the precepts of toxic masculinity, endanger us all, not least by enabling men to grasp onto the entitled concept that violence against women is acceptable, and by increasing the odds that poor mental health, from years of shuttering feelings, can result in larger societal violence.
The Ohio Men’s Action Network, a program sponsored by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, is a network of men and women, as individuals and representatives of local and state organizations, working to engage men and boys in efforts to prevent sexual violence, sexual exploitation, domestic, intimate partner, family and relationship violence, and to promote equitable, nonviolent relationships and an oppression-free culture.
Ohio Men’s Action Network recognizes the imperative need to address toxic masculinity, seeks to create and support communities where all people can live free of violence within their relationships, and is committed to respect, safety and equality. The “Know Better. Do Better. Be Better.” campaign at ohman-ohio.org is a great way to get involved and spread the message.
The movement against toxic masculinity needs to start with men.
It is crucial to highlight the role that every man can play in challenging and changing toxic masculinity. Fathers, teachers, all men everywhere, whatever your role: this is a call to action. Our most critical job is to teach the next generation of men to do better.
Glenn Harris is assistant director of prevention at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.