On September 6th UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tweeted out:
“the #covid19 pandemic is demonstrating what we all know: millennia of patriarchy have resulted in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture which damages everyone – women, men, girls & boys.” “This is the time to rebuild more equal, inclusive, and resilient societies.”
I generally am not interested in covering politics in this blog, but this should be concerning to all men. In the last couple years we have seen the widespread adoption of the idea of “toxic masculinity” in the media and in society in general. This has been fanned further by social media and the broad reach it has to the world at large. We have even seen the adoption of this idea in mainstream advertising with large scale companies, most obviously a razor brand. However, you don’t have to look far into things like movies and television series to see the same concept parroted.
Many of us have sat back and watched all of this with some disdain, but tolerance, as we generally want to be left alone and are not interested in other people’s business or issues. Everyone has a right to believe what they wish as long as they are not hurting other people. You are all likely familiar with the old adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” well the squeakers have been heard and are getting louder. In fact the sound of their nonsense is reaching deafening proportions and we are moving towards a time when the silent will have to speak or be silenced forever. They say that the lamb is silent before the shearer, well, they are moving to sheer men and masculinity.
The time for silence is coming to the end as their beliefs are no longer non-impactful on others; boys are growing up neutered of their masculinity and the world is beginning to pay for the silence.
Whatever your opinion of the UN, this is dangerous rhetoric from a very damaging venue taking aim at masculinity. What exactly about covid19 is demonstrating that a male-dominated society is damaging? I would love some clarification on that; I hate Twitter but I replied asking for clarification on the statement and am awaiting a response (I doubt I will get one).
Men, it is more important than ever for you to step up, out of the shadows and silence, to show the world why masculinity is important for the world. We are under attack from a yet unidentified enemy with a long reach and a lot of hands. This world was built on the backs, blood, sweat, and tears of men like you. The cities were built, oceans crossed and lands
explored by our ancestors. We were brought out of caves and fear by men with vision and tenacity, yet we are now told that somehow we are the enemy of a healthy society. We are far from perfect, but we are the answer, not the problem to the issue. Rise up and be the men you are capable of being, show the world that real men bring the light in darkness.
This is achieved by everyday actions and engagement with the world, every day you set the precedent for what masculinity should be judged on.
I am not an alarmist or a fear-monger, I believe in honest simple everyday solutions. I believe in changing the world for the better by changing yourself for the better. However, we cannot take statements from such an elevated position lightly. What was whispered has been repeated enough to hear it at a roar.
Step up brothers and shine in your community and world.
Be better tomorrow because of what you do today!
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