Boys in our Society
In our society boys are automatically labeled as masculine and emotionless. I would say that is correct, but it shouldn’t be that way. We as a society are on our way to changing that. Although we continue to have our sons or boys to “man up” we are also making sure they are entitled to their feelings. Through these boys that my mother nannies for, I can see how our society is changing. One of the boys she nannies for is more feminine compared to his brother. But his brother complains to my mother on how he doesn’t like seeing his brother play with his sister's toys. My mother always ensures that to both kids that it is okay to play with whatever they want.
This is so awesome! I love that your mother tells both boys that it is perfectly fine to play with whatever they want. That is so nice of her! This scenario is proof that we as a society are beginning to change things in the way of how boys and men are expected to be in the world. Boys and men should be able to show their feelings, and to play with whatever toys they want when they are little. I feel like some people still see men as the protectors of women, and that they are supposed to be tough. As this story so beautifully states, this does not have to be the case.
ReplyDeleteAssurance is key to making a young boy, or even a man feel comfortable expressing their true emotions. If as a community, we all support boys just like your mother does I think we can move away from toxic masculinity towards a positive change in supporting emotions of boys and understanding that not always will they have this masculine persona being portrayed to the public. With this understanding like nature when raising a boy, it is a great reminder to them that they do not constantly have to measure themselves against the societal standard of masculinity. They will be able to develop a sufficiently independent identity so they can carry themselves with confidence and pride further in their future.
ReplyDeleteIt's really sad how society today tells boys to "man up" or " big boys don't cry" when both males and females are allowed to have emotions and I don't think males should hide that but due to that society views it as being "weak" males tend to hide whatever they feel or what they could be going thru and some show it through anger and we wonder why some women are treated badly by males. Society tell them to be tough or to never show emotion.
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