The Dominant Idea of Manhood is NOT the only IDEA of MANHOOD. Here’s WHY!

“MARD KO DARD HOTA HAI”

( A man feels pain)

Said no man ever! 

For so long, men have been psyched into believing that emotions like feeling pain is a derivative and an obligation of womanhood. This has been the dominant idea of manhood for centuries and continues to be so.

The current definition of manhood makes a feeble attempt to explore emotions like pain and grief, tolerance for women’s right to choose and to look within and question their own acts of patronizing women. 

Toxic manhood is a culmination of various incidents throughout the life of a man. They have been rewarded whenever they showcased masculinity and reprimanded for whenever they acted like a girl.

Due to this consistent reinforcement over centuries, dominance has become deep-rooted in them. 

We all have witnessed toxic manhood traits. Rage, reckless sexual encounters and the relentless need to stay on top of women has continued.

From rituals like “Sati” to lack of rights in ancestral property, we have come a long way but with changing times, the toxicity still remains in one or the other form.

Has feminism changed anything?

Emma Watson during her awe-inspiring speech in 2014 at the UN’s HeForShe campaign launch had requested our male counterparts to come forth and contribute to the cause of gender equality as it is their issue too.

She recognized their role as a flag bearer of feminism for their daughters, sisters, and mothers. Her speech was well received by men across the globe because she made sure that in her fight for gender equality and feminism, men have to stand by women’s side as equals.

As she said, feminism is not about man-hating. It has never been and it will never be!

It has since led to some positive change but sadly men are still intolerant towards the choices made by women especially choices related to their bodies. The ideals of feminism till date are merely symbolic and unfortunately, it is not enough.

MEN! Take some notes. 

It needs to be said out loud that this definition of manhood is toxic, vile and destructive. The benchmark of masculinity has been set so high that even men are unable to reach it.

For so long men have been taught that it takes dominance to show your worth but in reality, this behavior poses a risk not only to them but to their relationships as well.

It is time to get rid of this dominant idea of manhood and broaden the definition to make it more inclusive. Men need to unlearn the need to achieve a certain standard instead they ought to feel love and pain equally.

Make it a pleasant experience to be a MAN, not only for us but also for yourselves! 

P.S.- We still love it when you open the door for us. 😉