By Mark DaCosta- In Part II of this series of articles it was shown that toxic masculinity harms both the person who is directed afflicted as well as the people with whom that person interacts. This fact makes the situation exceptionally harmful to individuals, families, and entire communities. As such, the problem is one that should, rightfully, engage the attention of stakeholders, particularly people in positions of authority who have a mandate, duty, and responsibility to ensure the good welfare of citizens.
We know that toxic masculinity is the result of masculine tendencies and attributes such as physical strength, and assertiveness taken to unhealthy, harmful, and dangerous extremes. The end point could be violence and other forms of antisocial behavior – even suicide and homicide.
We know, too, that the problem exhibits as, unconditional physical toughness, physical aggression, fear of emotions, discrimination against people that aren’t heterosexual, hyper independence, sexual aggression or violence, and anti-feminist behavior.
Additionally, many people who identify as male can feel pressure to embrace traits of toxic masculinity, particularly in the context of Guyana’s social and cultural realities. Those traits can lead them to act aggressively or violently towards others and themselves.
Guyanese are well aware of all these facts. For example, in Guyana, violent crime is an almost exclusively male problem. The vast majority of Guyanese prisoners are men. Homophobia and gender based discrimination are ubiquitous. Many men in Guyana refuse to consult doctors – especially mental health professionals – because they think that makes them seem weak and vulnerable. And the list goes on and on. Certainly the situation should be the source of much concern.
The problem, though, is not unique to Guyana. An Australian publication published the following:
[A large number of scientific studies was recently undertaken, including one study in Australia].
“The Australian study involved men aged 18-30 and was conducted by the The Jesuit Social Service Men’s Project. It discussed the concept of a ‘Man Box’ and identified seven key concepts that represent some unhealthy and damaging social pressures that young men are subjected to. Men that conform to these stereotypes and agree with these statements were identified as being “In the Man Box.” The stereotypes are:
Self-sufficiency: Talking with others about your issues and concerns is weak; Men should figure out their personal problems without asking for help.
Acting tough: A guy who doesn’t fight back is weak; Guys should always act strong even if they feel scared and nervous.
Physical attractiveness: Successful men look good; But spending too much time on your looks is not manly.
Rigid gender roles: Men don’t do household chores; Men should be the financial providers for their family.
Heterosexuality and homophobia: A gay guy is not a real man; Straight guys should not have gay friends.
Hypersexuality: A real man has as many sexual partners as possible; A real man never says no to sex.
Aggression and control: Men should use violence when necessary; A man always has the final say in a relationship.
It is noted that the studies may not have been done in Guyana, however, the issues identified by the international research most certainly and obviously apply to Guyanese society. As such, we may learn a lot about our own conditions from sources such as these.
Guyanese men may be well advised to take note of the findings, and avoid the “Man Box” about which the researchers wrote.
The same published report on the international studies makes the following statement:
“It seems that despite some good progress in recent years, there is still plenty of work to do to combat messages that uphold the old stereotypes. Approximately half (49%) of respondents indicated that the messages they receive about ‘how to be a man’ supported the above negative stereotypes. But the good news is that despite the prevalence of these messages, approximately 70% of respondents did not agree with these sentiments. This is a heartening indicator of shifting attitudes amongst young men.”
This series will continue the examination of this subject.
