Introduction
(Me at WeAre8 studios photo by Theik Smith)
When it comes to men's health and issues, we tend to take a backseat compared to our female counterparts. With that in mind, I've decided to explore some issues plaguing men and our manhood.
Modern Day Masculinity
Turn on the television and you're bound to find a slew of hot button gender issues centered around the reformation of men in society. Earlier this year, Gillette published an ad which poses the question, "Is This The Best a Men Can Get?". Some applauded Gillette's message against, so-called Toxic Masculinity; while others criticized the company for attacking the traditional idea of masculinity.
Customers even took to social media; posting images and videos of them throwing away their Gillette products under the hashtag, #BoycottGillette. In response, Gillette told NBC NEWS, "If we get people to pause, reflect, challenge themselves and others to ensure that their actions reflect who they really are, then this campaign will be a success."
Popular Responses on Twitter
I won't be buying Gillette and other P&G products again. A company that has built its empire thanks to men buying its products for decades now dares to spit on masculinity in the new commercial. I'm done! #BoycottGillette
— A. Mathura (@ptmathura) January 15, 2019
The hell is this crap? You mostly sell men’s products and now you’re demonising them? Who the hell ran that ad campaign needs to get fired. Not only it’s anti-men but it also has racist undertones. #dislike #boycottGillette
— Nero (@realGuileSan) January 14, 2019
#BoycottGillette #scrapgillette #GilletteAd #Gillette #MGTOW #BoysWillBeBoys #MeTooLiars @DeepikaBhardwaj @trehan_barkha @Gillette this is what happens to their products when Gillette defames men internationally... pic.twitter.com/Qg7iAlTAg6
— Mal Hindu Dharma 🕉️ (@DharmaMal) January 16, 2019
It's been real. @Gillette #BoycottGillette pic.twitter.com/e7Or9hToHM
— DVR (@DrewVanRoekel1) January 16, 2019
The #Gillette commercial is the product of mainstream radicalized feminism— & emblematic of Cultural Marxism.
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) January 15, 2019
STOP 👏PERVERTING👏MASCULINITY.
LET LITTLE BOYS WRESTLE.
Despite what Lena Dunham tells you, women are not into beta males & men are not into chicks w/ armpit hair.
It saddens me to read the #BoycottGillette backlash after a brand so thoughtfully celebrates the best of men, while recognizing those doing fine and encouraging others to stand against harassment and bullying. https://t.co/aizqZ7DzOT
— Laura Brady (she/her) (@lauraebrady) January 16, 2019
If you're out here supporting the #BoycottGillette movement, you're not some kind of advocate for men or manhood, you're just longing for the days when you could be an asshole with impunity and no accountability. You're not a man, you're a boy with body hair and a bank account.
— Corey Richardson (@vexedinthecity) January 15, 2019
#BoycottGillette
— ΛΗΜΣD (@ahmed_144) January 17, 2019
There’s better pic.twitter.com/qWi9E4WNe5
Breaking the Mold
(Vanache, WeAre8 photo by Theik Smith)
I took to the internet to find an inkling of hope for the male gender. My search revealed an interesting organization called, A Call to Men. According to the website, "A Call To Men is a violence prevention organization and respected leader on issues of manhood and male socialization.
This past Father's Day, A Call To Men launched the #HealthyManhood Campaign, where actors, activists, and athletes all voiced what #HealthyManhood means to them.
Here are Some Examples:
Understanding Men Through the Divine Masculine
New age teachings assert that there are many invisible energies and elements that shape the experiences we live. Some of these energies are the Divine Masculine and Feminine. Now I'm not going to go over the Divine Feminine, but I will go over some key points about the Divine Masculine to think about.
Top Traits of the Divine Masculine:
1. Power
In his truest form, the divine masculine utilizes his power ultimately for the good of all, not himself. He uses this power to stand up for himself and fight for whats right. He doesn't take advantage, nor want to be worshiped for it. He is very protective of what's in his heart, and if you threaten him or those he loves, he will move heaven and earth t remove you.
2. Focus
When he knows what he wants and where he wants to go, nothing will get in his way. The divine masculine has a considerable ability to block out everything except his goal. Some call it tunnel-vision.
3. Determination
Once he has tunnel-vision, his aptitude for rock solid determination gets into action. With determination, the divine man will never fall and stay down. He will always keep going until he's met his goal.
4. Resilience
His ability to take a beating and keep going can't be emphasized enough. The divine man is the ultimate marathon runner. He will weather storm after storm, and still recover from obstacles and setbacks.
5. Logical
The Masculine Energy is left brained, making him the best suited for calculating and reasoning. This is really helpful when navigating life and figuring out mysteries.
6. Strength
Not only are men physically stronger than women, but there is a notable strength in stamina that the divine masculine contains within his spirit. This strength is what the Divine Masculine uses to overcome no matter the obstacle.
7. Outwardly Directed
The divine Masculine is an expansive energy. He is always trying to improve and enlarge himself and cover more area.
8. High Priest
According to the Bible, God imbued man with his essence, spark or light. This energy is what compels men to always search for a higher truth and discover his divine origin. I think this spark is what makes men lean toward being morally upright and righteous.
(Me at WeAre8 studios photo by Theik Smith)
So I've decided to make my pledge to having a #HealthyManhood. I feel if there is anyway to make a positive difference in the lives of men, I'll have to start with myself. Here's a starter list of principles I've come up with to begin my journey in becoming a better man. I intend to personalize this list as time goes on, but for now this list serves as a guide.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD means being intuitive to self, environment and others in that environment.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD is having a quiet confidence in oneself and abilities.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD means being steadfast and reliable for yourself and the ones who count on you the most.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD is having a virtuous cause to stand for.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD is practiced self-honesty and integrity.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD means being able to address obstacles with a calm, level headed approach.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD is knowing how to cook.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD means guiding the youth and educating your peers.
#HEALTHYMANHOOD means a connection with a higher power.
Conclusion
As a man in today's society, our health and other topics tend to take a back seat to women's issues. I grew up in a single parent household as a minority, first generation born foreigner, and free thinker to say the least. I know the dangers and obstacles that accompany men who live in this kind of scenarios. The least I could do, is bring more understanding to the conversation about men.
I can't speak for all men, but I will say we're fairly simple creatures. We just want to have home in good order, our groups in good spirits, and our personal lives in a good direction. Anything else is just a challenge we decide to face or sidestep. With that said, I'd like to encourage my male friends, family and savvy members to look after themselves – it’s only in our best interest.
Join the Converstion:
What do you think about Modern Masculinity and what are you doing to change the dynamic of how men are viewed? I'd love to hear some feedback on this topic, so share, comment and sign up for my newsletter. Together, we can accomplish anything, so let's reach for the universe.
References & Other Readings
I AM MY SOUL - https://www.iammysoul.com/blog/the-traits-and-the-qualities-of-the-divine-masculine
Guidelines Psychological Practice with Boys and Men - chrome-extension://gphandlahdpffmccakmbngmbjnjiiahp/https://www.apa.org/about/policy/boys-men-practice-guidelines.pdf
The Art of Charm - https://theartofcharm.com/finding-your-purpose/the-crisis-of-masculinity/
Mental Health America - https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/infographic-mental-health-men
The Good Men Project - https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/talk-men-top-10-issues-today-gmp/
Harvard Medical School - https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/mens-health
