Manifestations of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic male masculinity refers to the adherence of men to gender roles accorded to them by the community. These norms have had adverse effects on men as they limit the extent to which men can express emotions. Some behaviors which conform with the toxic male masculinity may be dominance at the family level. Actions that portray signs of toxic male masculinity include men voting for a male candidate rather than voting for a female candidate in elections. This is in line with Jackson Katz’s observation with how men vote during elections, and they tend to support a male candidate rather than a female candidate (Katz, pg 192) and men experiencing severe conditions while in jail since the community sees men as strong to withstand such conditions. Thoughts that are socially constructed about men possessing the traits may be such as the common belief that men are the ones who should drink alcohol.
Such negative constructed stereotypes that ensure toxic male masculinity have adverse health effects and physical problems on men. It, therefore, has an impact on the community since, due to conformity with the toxic male masculinity principles, the male lifespan is reduced significantly. I feel that men have been unable to express themselves emotionally, which eventually leads to mental stress and mental breakdowns due to stress. The aftermath is violence, drug use, and physical injuries, which may arise from fights. Such negative stereotypes should be dealt with and encourage more male treatment therapies, which will ensure men have mental stability from the prevention of stress. The toxic masculinity beliefs have an impact on my life since when I encounter a problem, I do not speak up but tell myself things will be alright. It leads to loneliness and depression due to overthinking on the stressing matter.