Male Victims of the Patriarchy

        'Toxic Masculinity' is the socially constructed attitude which shows how the patriarchy can oppress men as well. It involves the pressure of men having to adopt 'masculine' traits which can be harmful to themselves and others- for example violent and emotionally vacant- as it is deemed as shameful and embarrassing to act in a feminine way which many consider possess the opposite of these qualities. This obviously can be damaging and restricting as men are encouraged to be emotionally closed off to the world otherwise they will be excluded and labelled as 'feminine and feeble'.
        This affects social behaviour in everyday situations through what we see on the mass media and how those around us act however the main concerning issue is how toxic masculinity can encourage male domestic abuse victims to stay silent in fear of being called 'weak'. Especially in heterosexual relationships where females aren't regarded as strong enough to hurt the man which leads to lack of sympathy towards male victims. Males account for 38% of domestic abuse victims yet they are twice as likely not to call for help than female victims due to the strains of social pressures- in fact only 10% of male victims tell the police. Abuse can be incredibly traumatic and it knows no prejudice to who it hurts, yet we can show discrimination towards who we choose to help.
        To believe in gender equality is to believe in abolishing negative gender stereotypes such as toxic masculinity. This isn't just a daily societal norm which is holding us back, but an active occurrence which is literally physically and psychologically harming many around the world. This means that we need to forget our injustice and care for all those who are suffering and not belittle anyone's story and feelings because of their gender.
Fozz.

Recommended links:
http://www.mankind.org.uk/
http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/mens_advice.php.html

Sources:
http://www.mankind.org.uk/pdfs/25_Key_Facts_Aug_2014_(final).pdf