What's a Real Man?
The term Toxic Masculinity is attributed to Shepherd Bliss who was a leader of a men’s movement in the early 1980s in North America. He, along with others like poet and author Robert Bly, provided workshops, literature and self-care groups for men who they believed had been separated from their “deep masculinity.” As best I can tell, they were trying to get men to hang out with other men and reclaim their deep or “wild masculinity.” They may have been on to something.
Over time, the term Toxic Masculinity has evolved, it seems to me. I think it has become more associated with many of the messages that males often receive from our society. Things like:
Boys don’t cry. Men are strong. Males should be self-reliant, so real men don’t have to ask for help. A successful man is in control of his own family. If you come in second, you’re just the first loser. Men should be rational rather than emotional. Tuff guys don’t feel pain……
Toxic masculinity today seems to be based in some notion that men should be stoic and not relinquish power or control.
I mean, John Wayne never backed down, and in the end, he always won.
In this episode of Exploracast we discuss this topic and try to understand more fully the impact that Toxic Masculinity has on our lives. Give it a listen and tell us what you think.
Ken Bailey is pastor of a Presbyterian church in small town Oklahoma. Most of his professional life was spent as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, working in a variety of clinical settings. In his role as therapist and minister, he has felt fortunate to walk with clients and parishioners through the seasons and struggles of life. More recently he has enjoyed being a part of the Exploracast team, connecting with folks in a completely different medium.
Married for 55 years to his high school sweetheart, he is the father of two adult children, and three grandchildren. He enjoys listening to and playing music, fly fishing for mountain trout, writing and taking naps.
The Power of Music
