Toxic Masculinity
Toxic Masculinity forces young men to suppress their emotions and act "like a man" to gain the respect of others or they will be a p***y. The suppression of their emotions is improper and unjust, the only way "men" are allowed to express themselves is through violence. It leads to outbursts of violence, both because of the suppression and due to the worry that they will seem inferior to others if they do not. Instagram has allowed much of this to be ingrained within their young users through meme accounts as well as others. It has instilled a specific body type to be better as well as putting down those who do not have it. Also, Instagram also reinforces sexual objectification, making women into objects solely meant for the pleasure of men. Instagram also lessens how serious violence is, using images and videos as memes which the youth internalizes as something that is okay. Another promotion of toxic masculinity is alcohol and drug usage. Instagram accounts encourage alcohol and drug usage making those who use them into idols, which should not be the case.
Categories of Toxic Masculinity:
The Encouragement Of Violence
As masculinity educator Siavash Zohoori points out in the above video, toxic masculinity teaches that violence is the best way for men to prove their strength and power, and it discourages them from releasing their feelings in other ways.
The Discouragement Of Seeking Help
According to the American Psychological Association, men are less likely than women to seek help regarding their mental health, which may likely be due to ideals of masculinity.
The Perpetuation Of Rape Culture
College cultures that encourage masculinity, specifically in fraternities, can encourage campus rape culture.
Homophobia
Masculinity has been constructed in contrast with femininity, so whenever a man does something considered a woman's role — like dating a man — he is automatically considered less of a man.
Misogyny
As Tony Porter explains in the above TED Talk, calling boys "girls" as an insultperpetuates the idea that being like a girl is a negative trait.
