Our culture’s model of masculinity does not always reflect a positive perspective of what it means to be a man. With reflection and intentional steps forward, we can take hold of a right way of manly living.
Talking Points:
- There are special challenges that come with being a man in our culture. From a very early age, men are taught to suck it up, not to cry, and to stifle their emotions. Men are conditioned to believe that emotions are to be constantly controlled and subdued or replaced with anger or aggression.
- Emotional isolation and the constant pressure of trying to be what one believes is masculine creates a dark side to masculinity. The statistics for male crime paint a brutal picture, with eighty-five percent or more of sexual assaults, domestic violence, and murder crimes being perpetrated by men.
- There is a dark side to masculinity, but there is also the light. Men can and have been a powerful force for building others up and creating positive change.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some male stereotypes you’ve encountered? How true or false are they?
- List a few examples of “toxic masculinity.” Where have you seen this?
- What are some examples of positive masculinity? What examples are there of this?
- Should a man show righteous anger or even employ violence? What are some situations where this is and is not appropriate?
- Why do you think men have been told for a long time not to express their feelings? What do you think about expressing your feelings?
- When are some instances it’s appropriate to express feelings of sorrow or sadness? When are some instances it’s not appropriate?
- What do you think is a healthy balance between recognizing some of the real problems with men versus some of the stereotypes that are exaggerated or untrue?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
