User:Jackchen314/Toxic masculinity

Social influence
The effects of toxic masculinity permeate multiple facets of society, prominently manifesting in violence, social harm, and adverse outcomes like murder, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and even suicide. Toxic masculinity not only fosters a culture of violence and criminality among men, posing risks to their own well-being, as well as that of women and society as a whole, but it also imposes unrealistic expectations of self-reliance and unwavering strength. Consequently, men grappling with these issues often find themselves compelled to conceal their mental illness and emotional needs, hesitant to express their struggles and seek help. This hesitancy arises from the deeply ingrained stigma and social pressure that surrounds discussions of mental health, perpetuating the harmful consequences of toxic masculinity on individuals' well-being and hindering progress towards a more supportive and understanding society.

The data published by the Violence Policy Center in 2017 provides a stark illustration of the impact of toxic masculinity on violence against women. The statistics reveal that a staggering 93 percent of female murder victims were killed by men they knew. This alarming trend is further corroborated by a 2017 study conducted by the World Health Organization on intimate partner violence, which found that 38 percent of women who were murdered fell victim to their intimate male partners. These figures highlight the disproportionate vulnerability of women to violence at the hands of men.

In the United States, the prevalence of violent crimes committed by men is also striking. More than 90 percent of violent crimes in the country are perpetrated by men, indicating a clear association between toxic masculinity and criminal behavior. Delving deeper into the issue, an analysis of the 2020 Homicide Data from the Violence Policy Center, known as "When Men Murder Women," sheds light on the distinct dynamics of victim-offender relationships based on gender. The findings reveal that female victims are significantly more likely than men to be killed by a spouse, close acquaintance, or family member.

In the context of single victim/single offender incidents in 2020, the report shows that women faced a significantly higher risk of being killed by men they knew, with a staggering 1,604 victims, compared to only 197 victims killed by male strangers. Notably, out of the victims who had a prior relationship with the perpetrator, 60 percent (967 out of 1,604) were the perpetrator's wife, common-law wife, ex-wife, or girlfriend. These findings underscore the role of intimate relationships in the perpetration of violence against women, further underscoring the influence of toxic masculinity in these tragic situations.

It is important to acknowledge that certain traditional masculine characteristics, such as an affinity for guns and military knowledge, although not inherently synonymous with toxic masculinity, indirectly contribute to the social harm caused by toxic masculinity. The analysis from the Violence Policy Center reveals that guns were the most commonly used weapon by men to murder women in 2020. Disturbingly, more than half of the weapon-identifiable homicides targeting women involved the use of firearms, with the majority of these killings carried out by intimate male partners. In single victim/single offender incidents, the number of women shot and killed by male acquaintances was nearly three times higher than the total number of women killed by male strangers using all types of weapons.

Toxic masculinity not only impacts violence against women but also contributes to higher rates of antisocial behavior and criminal involvement among men in the United States. The influence of toxic masculinity encourages men to embrace a more "adventurous" and rule-breaking mindset, leading to a greater likelihood of engaging in activities deemed socially unacceptable or illegal. Furthermore, when confronted with frustration or failure, men are often inclined to deflect blame onto others, society, or the state rather than accepting personal responsibility. This tendency arises from the shame and pressure associated with toxic masculinity, which compels men to deny their own wrongdoing. Consequently, there is a diminished sense of accountability for the harmful behaviors associated with toxic masculinity.

The impact of toxic masculinity on men's involvement in criminal activities is evident in the composition of the prison population. According to the Wright Institute's study on "Toxic Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment in Prison," approximately 90 percent of inmates are male. Moreover, a disproportionate number of these incarcerated individuals are low-income individuals and people of color. Many inmates are serving sentences for drug-related offenses. Within this population, there is a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support, substance abuse treatment, anger management programs, domestic violence intervention, and sex offender rehabilitation. However, the influence of toxic masculinity complicates the management of these issues, particularly in the case of drug addiction. Men may exhibit reluctance to seek treatment due to the perception that drug use is associated with maturity and social acceptance, while admitting the need for addiction treatment may be erroneously perceived as a sign of weakness. This stigma perpetuated by toxic masculinity creates barriers to seeking help and exacerbates the challenges associated with addressing drug overdoses and related concerns.

The impact of toxic masculinity extends to the realm of mental health, particularly in relation to suicide rates among men. According to data compiled by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there were 3.88 times more male suicides than female suicides in 2020, with white men accounting for 70 percent of the total suicide deaths. The societal pressures imposed by toxic masculinity contribute to this alarming disparity.

An article titled Men and Social Trauma of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Maladaptiveness of Toxic Masculinity published in The Society Register sheds light on the link between toxic masculinity and male suicide. Toxic masculinity perpetuates the notion that men must be dominant and constantly display strength, leaving little room for vulnerability or the expression of emotions. Consequently, men facing unemployment, job failures, and other stressors may internalize their feelings of anxiety and depression, masking them behind impulsive behaviors, aggression, and substance use.

Men, in general, exhibit a reluctance to seek help for both physical and mental health issues, often delaying medical assistance until problems become unmanageable. This tendency further contributes to the higher suicide rates among men compared to women. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, with the death rate from suicide among men experiencing a significant increase. Moreover, men have also faced higher mortality rates from the virus itself, underscoring the intersecting impact of toxic masculinity on various health outcomes.

Influence of colonialism
The impact of colonialism on gender norms and power dynamics has had lasting effects, some of which have contributed to the perpetuation of toxic masculinity. As part of their cultural assimilation efforts, colonial powers often imposed strict gender roles and expectations. This imposition of norms created a framework that reinforced traditional male roles while discouraging non-compliant gender expression.

The effects of toxic masculinity are particularly pronounced in the Latinx/Chicanx LGBTQ+ community. The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can create a hostile environment for those who identify outside of these norms. This hostile environment fosters discrimination, prejudice, and even violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Communities that are already marginalized and face external oppression may internalize these harmful gender ideals, further perpetuating discrimination and marginalization from within.

The legacy of colonialism has left a deep mark on society's attitudes toward masculinity. Concepts such as male chauvinism and the expectation of dominance have become ingrained in social norms. These ideals, rooted in colonial structures, reinforce toxic masculinity and impede acceptance of different gender identities and expressions.

To address these challenges, it is critical to recognize and challenge the harmful gender norms that exist inside and outside the Latinx/Chicanx LGBTQ+ community. Creating a more inclusive society requires promoting acceptance, understanding, and celebration of different gender identities and expressions. Education, awareness, and advocacy can play an important role in combating toxic masculinity and its consequences. By cultivating empathy and removing vestiges of colonial gender norms, we can work towards a more equitable and supportive society for all.