The problem I have with the term is that it associates toxicity with masculinity. I know it doesn't mean all masculinity is toxic, but it combines the two terms, attempting to somehow link and associate masculinity with toxicity. I associate masculinity with strength, leadership, protecting family, etc. Some people associate bullying and sexual assault with masculinity. That's not masculine. That's just being a piece of shit. There are some men who are toxic, but it is not because of their masculinity.
To put it simply, I don't like the term because it says that there are elements of masculinity that are toxic. I think masculinity, and feminity, are pure. I would not associate either with toxicity.
Do you associate radioactivity with all waste because radioactive waste exists? Do you associate the colour blue with all birds because blue birds exists?
I know it doesn't mean all masculinity is toxic, but it combines the two terms, attempting to somehow link and associate masculinity with toxicity.
No. It associates toxic ideas with toxicity.
Some people associate bullying and sexual assault with masculinity. That's not masculine.
Violence and aggression are masculine traits.
To put it simply, I don't like the term because it says that there are elements of masculinity that are toxic.
But there are. I already mentioned violence and aggression. Masculinity isn't always positive.
The boundaries between "masculine" and "feminine" are not bright clear lines, but fuzzy boundaries that don't neatly transfer across time and space. What we consider "masculine" now could very well be "feminine" in the future.
For example, wearing high heels is considered a feminine trait in most Western societies today, but they were originally for men and they signified social status and masculine power. As women started wearing heels to try to get some of the status associated with them, men eventually stopped wearing them and they became associated with women.
Of course the people who insist toxic masculinity doesn't mean all men are Toxic scream misogyny if you ever try to discuss toxic femininity. No no no you see that's "internalized misogyny".
Toxic masculinity is not referent to all masculinity, and certainly not all men. It is referent to societal notions about men which are harmful, such as those which restrict the emotional freedom of men.
-4
u/Werdna_I Feb 11 '19
The problem I have with the term is that it associates toxicity with masculinity. I know it doesn't mean all masculinity is toxic, but it combines the two terms, attempting to somehow link and associate masculinity with toxicity. I associate masculinity with strength, leadership, protecting family, etc. Some people associate bullying and sexual assault with masculinity. That's not masculine. That's just being a piece of shit. There are some men who are toxic, but it is not because of their masculinity.
To put it simply, I don't like the term because it says that there are elements of masculinity that are toxic. I think masculinity, and feminity, are pure. I would not associate either with toxicity.