An inside look at how toxic masculinity affects people around it

Progressing through society means many changes, new advances, and such. Some people accept these changes and don’t mind them, while others stick with their ways. Of course, there is no problem with that: unless those beliefs begin to affect the people around them negatively. 

Toxic masculinity is a dominant form of masculinity where men use violence as a form of control to assert superiority and power, which can already raise a few red flags for some. Most men with these mindsets typically believe there’s nothing wrong with their actions, which is almost always the opposite.  

Toxic masculinity is a surprisingly growing trend among men. These men have ‘traditional’ and harmful takes, the most common being the thought that women belong to men. This thought process leads to the idea of women serving and listening to men. Many clash back at criticism by saying they’re just ideas, and they would and don’t act on their words.

Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. Other men and young boys take on this mindset and start taking these so-called pieces of advice from other guys with these beliefs and act on their words, which results in cases of domestic violence. 

Of course, it’s not all men, but there is already an alarming amount of people who begin to take on these ideals.    

On the face of the topic of toxic masculinity, incomes the infamous Andrew Tate. Andrew Tate is a 35-year-old American-British internet personality who’s become pretty well known, not for any positive reasons whatsoever. Tate became the face of the internet for a while due to his extreme takes on women. His internet presence consists of control, violence, and brutal words toward the opposite gender. 

Even if Tate was all bark and no bite, many other men have taken his words to heart and acted or threatened to act on those words. Men have posted online about Tate and how they agreed with him, even agreeing and admitting to being just how Tate described how he is towards the women he’s intimate with. Men like Andrew Tate create unfavorable circumstances for young men and those who attempt to act tough. 

Toxic masculinity has made its way to the list of things affecting society. Whether it’s all an act or not, things like this shouldn’t be taken too lightly. While people may believe there’s nothing wrong with expressing these thoughts, considering that such actions and words could have grave outcomes and perhaps be surprised at how impactful those actions may be.

Written by Jennifer Landaverde | Graphic Designed by Angel Santiago

Published October 26, 2022 | ePathfinder | Perspectives