![]() At first glance, this looks like a reasonable comment.
So lets dig deeper. Let's explore the role of adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns i.e. things or concepts. We can have a noun on its own - like Apple. Or a noun with a descriptor/adjective ie Red Apple. For people who know that apples come in many colours, shapes and sizes, at no time do we make the assumption that ALL apples are red. So, if someone uses the phrase 'red apple' - we can safely assume that ALL red apples are red... and they are not green or yellow. So, when someone uses the term 'toxic masculinity', they are not describing ALL masculinities, they are describing the toxic forms. Hence, Masculinity just is as it IS... and toxic masculinity describes negative and harmful behaviours by some men ... but obviously, not ALL males. And we dont have to dig too deeply, to find endless examples of such behaviour. Books, movies and direct experience show the myriad forms of patriarchal, dominating, abusive and harmful behaviours by men over the milennia. No-one with their brain intact, can refute this. However, the joy of adjectives means we have a plethora of other adjectives to describe male behaviour/masculinity ie generous, supportive, kind, sexy, loving etc. So Masculinity can be toxic or awesome - depending on the actual behaviour of the male involved. It's dependent on behaviour, not what genitals you have. Now to the meme above... Did the writer mean it to be so obfuscating of the truth, or were they just trying hard, but confused?? I quote - "masculinity isn't toxic, the absence of it is." "Strong, masculine men are protective and loving." Really? Dont we all know plenty of strong masculine men who are the opposite?? The noun and adjective exist for a reason. There are plenty of men who are toxic, and have been all throughout history. And the form of masculinity that they aspire to, is the dominator/patriarchal kind. Not the healthy kind that many men live from. Who do you think does all the raping and bashing? Who do you think ends up in jail? Toxic abusive guys... often guys with higher testosterone - ie more masculine, not less. Saying their behaviour is a lack of masculinity has no basis in logic. Just another mindf**k to confuse people. The best way to get past the whole toxic masculinity thing, is for men to not follow in those dudes footsteps… And just be a great man. The wonderful thing is that there’s plenty of them out there. It’s become the latest thing, to be a strong, caring, non-abusive, healthy male. Man Box Masculinity
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