Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

4-25-2019

Advisor

Anna Mercedes, Theology

Abstract

Masculinity is highly valued in the United States. Men are taught to be powerful, strong and in control. If a man does not have these attributes, is he truly a man? I argue that this ideal of worshiped masculinity is incredibly harmful to men, as well as the larger society. The socialization of masculinity in schools and at home teaches boys to mask their emotions, be tough, and stay silent about problems they face. This repression of emotions creates generations of men with mental health issues and no healthy outlets readily available. What are the consequences of the ways in which boys are taught to be masculine? I argue that the modern socialization of idealized masculinity supports the patriarchal system and creates numerous problems for society, including an epidemic of mental health disorders, mass violence, and violence towards women.

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