As the long struggle for LGBTQ+ rights continues, one narrative that has often been overshadowed is the intricate dance between patriarchy and masculinity. At a cursory glance, it might seem that patriarchy would be the champion of masculinity, elevating it to a pedestal. However, a deeper dive reveals a darker truth. Patriarchy, with its rigid definitions and greedy, perverted, and oppressive mechanisms, has hijacked and distorted genuine masculinity, causing harm to not just women, but men (young men for the most part) as well.
The Hijacking of Genuine Masculinity: How Patriarchy Betrayed All Men around the Globe – by Human Rights Activist Maxwell Alexander, MA, BFA, Certified Elite Fitness Trainer, Bodybuilding and Sports Nutrition Coach
1. Defining Genuine Masculinity:
Before we dive deep, it’s essential to understand what genuine masculinity is. It’s a fluid concept, as diverse as humanity itself. At its core, genuine masculinity is about authentic self-expression, devoid of societal pressures, where men can display a full spectrum of emotions, strengths, vulnerabilities, and roles without fear of judgment.
2. The Chains of Patriarchy:
Patriarchy sets up a narrow definition of what it means to be a man: strong, unemotional, dominant, and heterosexual. While these traits in themselves aren’t negative, the compulsion to fit this mold can be suffocating. Men are often mocked for displaying emotions, which are seen as “feminine” and thus, “inferior” in a patriarchal setting.
3. Sexuality and Patriarchy:
Here, the gay rights movement intersects deeply. Gay men, by their very existence, challenge these patriarchal notions of masculinity. Their vilification is, in part, an attempt by the patriarchal order to reinforce a particular version of masculinity, one that ties masculinity to dominance and heterosexuality.
4. Suppressing Vulnerability:
One of patriarchy’s most insidious impacts is how it suppresses male vulnerability. Men are often discouraged from discussing mental health or seeking help. The staggering rates of male suicides, substance abuse, and undiagnosed mental health issues are a testament to this.
5. Reimagining Male Bonding:
In a patriarchal society, male bonding is often associated with competition, dominance, and aggression. Genuine connections, based on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional intimacy, can be rare. This warped sense of camaraderie further alienates men from understanding and expressing their true selves.
6. The Consequence:
When genuine masculinity is suppressed, society loses out. Men become trapped in roles that don’t resonate with their true selves, leading to internal conflict, resentment, and sometimes, aggression. They are denied the full range of human experiences, and this hurts everyone.
Conclusion:
It’s crucial to understand that the fight against patriarchy isn’t a battle against men but a battle for them. By dismantling patriarchal structures and redefining masculinity, we allow all individuals, regardless of gender or sexuality, to live authentically. Genuine masculinity, unfettered by patriarchal chains, can coexist harmoniously with all other forms of gender expression, leading to a more inclusive, understanding, and richer society.
