By Mark DaCosta- The average Guyanese man is generally proud of his manliness, and protective of his male identity. In other words, he is aware of his masculinity, and holds that aspect of his identity in high regard. While there is nothing at all wrong with being happy with oneself – in fact, being happy is good – there could be major issues of concern when some aspects of self-identity are taken to an extreme and unhealthy level. One such harmful extreme form of self identification is called toxic masculinity. In this series of articles, the term will be defined, its causes and terrible consequences will be examined, and strategies to avoid it will be explored.
One should note that there are “terrible consequences” of toxic masculinity, that is why Guyanese – especially men – should learn what it is. That is the reason that this publication is undertaking this series. And, because, in order to avoid the problem, one must first know about it, and understand it, Guyanese (men) should pay attention to this series.
First, though, we must define the various terms that may appear frequently in this series.
Masculinity.
Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as being socially constructed – societies made up the idea. There is also scientific evidence that some behaviors considered to be masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors. To what extent masculinity is variously biologically or socially influenced is subject to ongoing academic debate. In any case, masculinity is distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, because anyone – not only men – can exhibit masculine traits. Standards of masculinity vary across different geographies, cultures, and historical periods. For purposes of this series, though, the generic term “masculinity” refers to whatever may be construed to constitute masculinity within any geographical, or cultural context in Guyana.
Toxic Masculinity.
Toxic masculinity can be defined as the need to aggressively compete and dominate others and encompasses the most problematic proclivities, tendencies, and attributes in men. These same male proclivities and tendencies foster resistance, by the afflicted man, to psychotherapy and other medical interventions.
In other words, toxic masculinity is a situation in which the attributes, behaviours and roles generally associated with males are elevated to an extremely, unnaturally high and unhealthy level. Clearly, because such attributes include traits such as bravery, aggression, independence, and so on, if those attributes are exaggerated to a very high degree – people can get hurt. Additionally, because one of those attributes is independence, the afflicted man is not likely to seek psychological or medical help.
Traits of Toxic Masculinity.
Psychologists agree that the following defining traits will generally be present in a person afflicted with toxic masculinity.
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Unconditional physical toughness
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Physical aggression and fear of emotions
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Discrimination against people that aren’t heterosexua
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Hyper independence
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Sexual aggression or violence
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Anti-feminist behavior
Thus we may summarise: Guyanese men are generally proud of their masculinity – that is perfectly fine. However, some aspects of what comprises masculinity, such as aggression, assertiveness, independence, and bravery, can become extremely problematic if elevated to an unnatural and unhealthy level. It was pointed out that people could get hurt. But who can get hurt – and how? What causes toxic masculinity? And what may be done about it? Also, is there a healthy form of masculinity?
Those matters will be examined in subsequent articles.
