Exploring Toxic Masculinity: Real-life Examples and Their Impact
As a community focused on understanding and addressing toxic masculinity, I observed that it transcends borders and manifests in various forms across different contexts. In this article, we delve into real-life examples of toxic masculinity, examining how it impacts people's lives and the broader societal dynamics.
Understanding Toxic Masculinity
When discussing toxic masculinity, it is important to focus on behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality, undermine the emotional well-being of individuals, and create hostile environments. Here, we will explore some real-life instances of toxic masculinity from different regions and cultures.
Real-life Examples of Toxic Masculinity
Experience with Rednecks in the South
Living in the southern region, I have encountered numerous instances of toxic masculinity within the redneck culture. Rednecks are often associated with a set of values and behaviors that perpetuate patriarchal norms and harmful stereotypes. One memorable incident that stands out exemplifies these issues:
On a busy day, I was waiting for the lift (elevator) on the ground floor. A lady around 50 years old for the 5th floor and a giant muscular man with three sacks of wheat (for the 1st floor) were also waiting. The lift, being an old model, had a basic manual operation with one channel gate and a manual door.
As the lift arrived, the first thought that came to me was to hold the door for the muscular man to help him unload the sacks one-by-one. As he got off on the 1st floor, I held the door again to assist him further. To my surprise, he responded with, “Oh, I’m so tired carrying these sacks.” There was no acknowledgement or gratitude, not even a simple handshake or eye contact.
When the lady arrived for the 5th floor, she politely asked for help, and I opened the door for her. She smiled with a sense of gratitude and left. This incident highlighted the paradox of this individual's behavior:
The Paradox of Toxic Masculinity
Refusal to Acknowledge Kindness: If one is expected to thank or acknowledge someone's kindness, it might imply weakness or a lack of manliness. This mindset suggests that genuine help should be provided without seeking or expecting gratitude.
Dehumanization: On the other hand, women and marginalized individuals are often dehumanized, making their help insignificant despite the effort required. This goes against the very idea of mutual respect and acknowledgment.
Unilateral Help: While providing unrequested assistance is commendable, the individual seems to confuse this act with a form of manipulation or validation rather than true kindness.
Toxic Masculinity in Armenia
Growing up in Armenia, another example of toxic masculinity surfaces through the influence of certain peer groups and extended family members. This often manifests in the use of foreign words (Russian and Turkish) mixed with Armenian during conflicts with peers. This practice is not limited to Armenia but can be observed in many cultures where older individuals pass on harmful ideology to the younger generation.
Local kids and teenagers absorb these behaviors from their “big bros” or older relatives, leading to a distorted view of what it means to be a man. This goes beyond limiting thinking capacities; it also distorts the Armenian language by introducing foreign terms without proper contextual understanding.
Conclusion
Toxic masculinity is a complex phenomenon that manifests in various ways across different cultures and societies. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for creating healthier, more inclusive environments. By sharing real-life examples and discussing the ramifications, we can work towards fostering a more empathetic and respectful world.
Let's join forces to challenge these harmful norms and support individuals in expressing their true selves without fear of judgment or condemnation.