my relationship to masculinity
I understand my relationship to masculinity as a strong association. This is because I agree with the social constructs of masculinity. I am a believer that men need to be independent, should have the courage and make the best leaders, it is a belief that has made me look at men who are not independent as weird creatures. I believe a man should work, whatever the situation they are in to provide for himself and others but should not depend on others for providence, especially on women. I also believe men should be strong. I associate weak looking men with the attribute of weakness.
I participate with masculinity by supporting some forms of toxic masculinity that are of no good to the society. I have attended and supported many rallies and movements that promote masculinity. Sometimes I agree with the negative social constructs of society and criticize men with characters such as crying. I believe that a man should not cry, no matter the situations they are in.
These beliefs have made me develop attitudes towards gender identity. I have learnt to approach life with independency as a man and have courage. I am always brave and avoid exhibiting cowardly traits. Whenever I am at home, many family members run to me when they are in trouble. I take pride in being the one to bail them out often.
Many of my friends and family members do not support masculinity. They believe that there are things society has associated with men that women can do. A good example is a leadership. Some women have gone to extents of vying for various leadership skills. Those who have succeeded have shown exemplary performance; a fact that rules out the hegemonic formulations of masculinity.