The definition of particular features to conform to the patriarchal idea of masculine construct in Western culture begins from an early age. Toughness, stoicism, heterosexism, self-sufficiency, aggression attitudes, and a lack of emotional sensitivity and connectiveness are all linked to these traits (Wall & Kristjanson, 2005). This has been a culture that promotes masculinity; the common strains that confront this societal construct of masculinity are discrepancy, dysfunction, and trauma (Richmond & Levant, 2003). Men are under constant pressure to live up to macho standards. Men's persistent need to prove their manhood adds to the dysfunction and pain they face throughout their lives.
I pity my brother, cousins, nephews, father and brother-in-law, and all the males who are subjected to this additional stress on a regular basis. The image I'm providing is of a room full of men who have been living with this reality since they were born, and the dynamics of having a female in the room changes everything.
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