Toxic Masculinity Explained by Men
Byron Hurt, visiting lecturer at Regis University //Photo source: myurbanclick.com
By: Brittany Peters, Staff Reporter
Award winning documentary filmmaker, published writer, and anti-sexist activist Byron Hurt came to Regis on September 12 to discuss the concept of male toxicity and it’s impact. His presentation on campus inspired me to gather collected works from my favorite speakers and artists regarding male toxicity, their efforts to combat it, and it’s undeniable stain in our society. Among the many men dedicating their life to educating other on toxic masculinity, one that always does the best job at delivering, in my opinion, is Jackson Katz. In his TED talk he brings forward a new perspective that not many have posed. Violence against women is and always has been a men’s issue- not a woman's. He goes in deeper into the importance of recognition and action that most men have lacked over the years in terms of taking accountability. During this talk, he takes the time to address the privilege men have in being able to brush violence against women, predominately at the hands of men, to the women to solve. I thought this piece could be a new perspective for some, or a reaffirmation for others.
Violence Against Women — It’s a Mans Issue
Jackson Katz
In an entirely different approach, Carlos Andréas Gómez discusses the early on aspects of stripping young men and boys of their ability to feel emotions- or “man- up”. It is in this TED talk, he shares from personal experience the trouble he’s had with this concept in his developing life, following him into adult hood. I believe, although he does not discuss toxic masculinity, I thought it interesting to offer a complimenting aspect that is how most male identifying individuals find their path beginning, and to really tie the connection between both men’s approach to discussing this societal norm. With these inputs, I wanted to find a resource that could credit both men, which brings me to the article attached below by Bay Steel Bull that fully embodies the words of both men into a more rounded approach. In this article, as well as both TED talks, one underlying concept continues to show its head. The concept of conversation is almost too simple of a solution, but with widespread use, it can continue to make a dent in breaking down the walls of male toxic masculinity beginning with its origin.
Carlos Andrés Gómez
Be A Man: The Detrimental Effects Of Toxic Masculinity On Men’s Mental Health
Bay Street Bull Staff