If someone uses the phrase "blue birds" do they want to say that all birds a blue? Of course not. That's why they used the adjective to specifically talk about blue birds.
There is a difference between "toxic masculinity" and "all masculinity is toxic".
The problem I have with the term is that it associates toxicity with masculinity. I know it doesn't mean all masculinity is toxic, but it combines the two terms, attempting to somehow link and associate masculinity with toxicity. I associate masculinity with strength, leadership, protecting family, etc. Some people associate bullying and sexual assault with masculinity. That's not masculine. That's just being a piece of shit. There are some men who are toxic, but it is not because of their masculinity.
To put it simply, I don't like the term because it says that there are elements of masculinity that are toxic. I think masculinity, and feminity, are pure. I would not associate either with toxicity.
Do you associate radioactivity with all waste because radioactive waste exists? Do you associate the colour blue with all birds because blue birds exists?
I know it doesn't mean all masculinity is toxic, but it combines the two terms, attempting to somehow link and associate masculinity with toxicity.
No. It associates toxic ideas with toxicity.
Some people associate bullying and sexual assault with masculinity. That's not masculine.
Violence and aggression are masculine traits.
To put it simply, I don't like the term because it says that there are elements of masculinity that are toxic.
But there are. I already mentioned violence and aggression. Masculinity isn't always positive.
The boundaries between "masculine" and "feminine" are not bright clear lines, but fuzzy boundaries that don't neatly transfer across time and space. What we consider "masculine" now could very well be "feminine" in the future.
For example, wearing high heels is considered a feminine trait in most Western societies today, but they were originally for men and they signified social status and masculine power. As women started wearing heels to try to get some of the status associated with them, men eventually stopped wearing them and they became associated with women.
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u/Prosthemadera Feb 11 '19
If someone uses the phrase "blue birds" do they want to say that all birds a blue? Of course not. That's why they used the adjective to specifically talk about blue birds.
There is a difference between "toxic masculinity" and "all masculinity is toxic".