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Week 8 October 19th

Photo courtesy of YouTube

This documentary. Wow. I had never thought about what men go through as young boys and how much effect that might have on them for the rest of their lives. 

mas·cu·lin·i·ty
ˌmaskyəˈlinədē/
noun
noun: masculinity; plural noun: masculinities
  1. possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men.
    "handsome, muscled, and driven, he's a prime example of masculinity"
    synonyms:virility, manliness, maleness, machismo, vigor, strength, muscularity, ruggedness, robustness; 
    informaltestosterone
    "he's the picture of masculinity"



It's sad to think about the frustrations these men must battle with throughout their lives from simple things they endure in younger years. To think that a young child like those in the documentary would feel that they must be manly at such a young age, with no sensitivity. 
Just look at those words above in the dictionary definition...handsome, muscled, driven, vigor, strength, ruggedness, and robustness. This words are powerful, they are overwhelming and they hold a lot of expectation. 
I feel so bad for these men, they are taught being sensitive and thoughtful is not manly. This not only makes growing up tough, it makes marriage and friendships, basically any relationships...tough. 
These are the flip side of what women are taught as they grow up, but it is just as confining. Women are told who they should be, what they should look like and how to act. Men are told who they should be, what they should look like and how they should act if they intend to be considered a "man". 
Isn't a man someone who can dry his children's tears, understand his spouse's heart when they hurt, and teach his children to be good people who care about others? Why can't he cry when he hurts? Why can't he show any emotion? Why do we limit men so much and then wonder why they struggle to make connections in a meaningful way? Not all men are as effected so deeply, but isn't it enough that so many are?

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