Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder.

We Also Cover:

• Emotional Suppression
• Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions
• How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional Regulation
• The Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and Femininity
• The Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer Pressures
• Media Influence
• Abuse Cycles

Quotes:

• “Toxic masculinity is not just the wanting and need for respect, but feeling that you are owed respect—whether or not it's earned—and that creates a lot of anger.”
• "One of the top ways to battle toxic masculinity is not just changing media and culture, but teaching that thinking deeply about the world and themselves is normal."
• "I think back to previous generations where you would see depictions of fathers who'd come home and not really have anything to do with the family because that wasn't their function. That was the only way of doing things they knew."
• "And there's also an isolating nature to toxic masculinity. Any friendship you may have with another man, you cannot be that 'close' to them because then the homophobia comes in, or you're being weak because you're leaning on a friend."

Related Reading:

• The Man They Wanted Me to Be: Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making - Jared Yates Sexton
• How The Man Box Poisons Our Sons
• The History of "The Man Box"
• The Impact of Toxic Masculinity On Men's Mental Health
• How to Fight Toxic Masculinity | Scientific American
• Toxic Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment in Prisons

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

Stay Connected:

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• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost