The New Masculine Identity in a Feminist World
The battle of the sexes has long been a skewed fight for women as they battle the patriarchal structures within society.
But have we gotten to a time where men are starting to feel the impact of feminism?
Recently, I have been hearing a narrative from podcasts, news outlets and people in my life discussing the crisis that men are facing concerning masculinity, loneliness and mental health.
To understand the point of view of both men and women on this issue, I have begun conversations with people in my life. Men have felt heard and seen as I bring up the topic and listen to their struggles in dating and going about their day-to-day lives.
However, I was surprised by the response of my feminist allies; many are disgusted at the mention of men having any problems and projecting their demonising feelings that men have done enough to women and don’t have much to complain about.
These conversations have been ruminating in my mind for a while. I realise that this vicious cycle will continue if we believe one person’s suffering is not as necessary as another person’s.
Indeed, the answer to the identity crisis that many men are experiencing in response to women’s liberation is to give men a space to express themselves and discover what masculinity can look like in a world where women are seen as equals.
Even Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” film highlights that Ken is allowed to be someone without Barbie.
People need to understand that feminism strives for equality for both men and women and does not wish to crush men or their spirits. Masculinity may be threatened by the change to the role of women in society, but this does not mean men cannot be empowered to escape the clutches of traditional ideas of what it means to be a man.
Perhaps change should be embraced instead of avoided.
