Women are judged for being highly emotional while the men in our society are often labelled as cold and inexpressive because they don't express their feelings very often. However, we should not forget that this inexpressive nature comes from their patriarchal conditioning.
From a very young age, boys are told to not cry and that men don't feel pain and being emotional is labelled as a girly habit. Years of being fed toxic stereotypes of patriarchal society have made them insecure about being too much or too less expressive. Hence, it is very difficult for men to open up to people and express their emotions without being judged by society. However, this toxic chain of suppressing emotions needs to be broken if we want to transition to a progressive society.
Suggested Readings : Nurses: Attracting More Men To Profession Can Help With Talent Shortage
Man Excited About Wife's Pregnancy, Viral Post On Reddit
A post on the Reddit page @MadeMeSmile amused the netizens because of a unique pregnancy announcement by a man. The post read, "My wife said I can't tell anyone yet, but I'm way too excited not to share!! I'm going to be a freaking dad!!!". A user commented under the post, "Enjoy the two first weeks. They are really chill. You'll sleep all night and be fully in control of the situation." Others gave pieces of advice to the father-to-be about some essentials for the baby.
The post amused users as the news that was supposed to be a secret was announced on social media by an excited father. But can you really complain as there is really nothing more wholesome than having a baby with the one person you love? This man did not care about what the world said and decided to express what he felt to the world. We often see Indian dads being extremely silent when they come to know about pregnancies. They don't jump in happiness or show their excitement, instead, they give a quick smile and move on.
Stereotypes Of Men's Emotions
However, that does not mean that they are not excited enough, they just don't know how to express it. Or if they do know how to express their emotions, they don't do so as they are conscious of their family or society's reaction. This is because they were never taught to wear their heart on their sleeves. Even in movies and shows, we see women being teary-eyed and excited over good news like proposals, weddings, pregnancies or job offers while the men give a subtle reaction and shrug it off.
No matter how much we relate to such things, it is important that we normalise men expressing their emotions freely and being sensitive about things. This is because suppressing emotions is what makes men feel lonely inside. They don't have anyone to talk to about what they feel as they fear being judged or being told that they are being too sensitive like a girl. This restriction takes a toll on their mental health as well but that is the part that society does not see.
We often talk about how patriarchy has exploited women but we also need to acknowledge that it has also ruined the men of society. Hence, in order to call ourselves progressive, we need to encourage non-toxic behaviour among men like being sensitive, expressing emotions, talking about their troubles and never fearing to cry if they feel like letting it out. They should not feel ashamed of their emotions and deserve a shoulder to lean on in tough times.
Opinions expressed are author's own.
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/mc5ov795ToHzL53HsAsD.jpeg)