Does the Internet Endorse the Behaviour of Toxic Masculinity?

Toxic Masculinity on the Screen
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Toxic Masculinity on the Screen
In summary, this paper will empirically explore the issues of toxic masculinity, but more specifically, under the magnification of the internet. This paper will help understand the various forms and effects of toxic masculinity, acknowledging the gap between gender roles, as well as the lack of justice being served concerning this type of behaviour. Given the impact of the use of the internet, a start to mending that gap is by diminishing the implication of gender roles through the media, and/or on the internet.
Introduction:
Traditional toxic masculinity is a form of masculinity which mainly emphasizes on the avoidance of the femininity through demonstration of anger and aggression upon individuals in the society. This kind of masculinity is considered to be socially destructive because of the avoidance of femininity and aggression towards matters relating to social construction such as being a truthful family man as well as being successful in society (Roberts, 2019). It encourages men in society to set and embrace the rigid set code of conduct, expectations, and perceptions of what is termed as "manly." According to Roberts (2019), the notion of behaving and acting like a real man in society normally forces and encourages the men to behave in a certain way so that they can be accepted in the category of being called men. It has been observed that media stimuli the impacts of toxic masculinity among the individuals in the society.
One way in which media intensifies the existence of toxic masculinity is the depictions of programs on masculinity and femininity which explains gender-stereotypical beliefs and behaviours (Roberts, 2019). Most of the depictions involve gender roles whereby men are portrayed as powerful, unemotional, aggressive and women as emotion and submissive beings in society (Roberts, 2019). Studies have shown that heavier viewing of gender traditional television programs and movies builds up the traditional beliefs and perceptions about how men and women are expected to conduct themselves concerning household chores and occupations in general (Roberts, 2019). Media convey messages that affect the attitudes and behaviours of the individual in society.
Researcher reveals that increase use of media makes young people in the society to involve themselves in risky situations due to the acceptance of stereotypes about power, risky and danger meant for a boy (Roberts, 2019). The population segment that is mostly affected by media influence is adolescents. During adolescence, teenagers in the community normally became curious about several aspects concerning their growth. In the process of learning, media become their best platform for learning things such as gender issues. For instance, if an adolescent watched television program which is inclined to stereotypical issues, then it will make the teenager become rigid to accept other opinions. Traditional toxic masculinity brings about sexual assaults, racist bullying, and physical injuries resulting from fighting (de Boise, 2019).
Research Question:
Does the internet endorse the behavior of toxic masculinity?
Literature Review
Social connections and network support are important aspects of society. In life, people depend on each other for support including mental health and the well-being of the individual in general. Social interactions are important because helps people from being exposed to life experiences that might interfere with the mental health of the individuals. Studies on the social interactions between men and women in the society revealed that males tend to be interested in the relationship that has instrumental support whereas females tend to seek interactions that provide emotional support in their lives ( McKenzie et al., 2018). Some examples of the instrumental support that men tend to seek to include practical assistance from others. This kind of perception has made them think women in families to weak in that they should be provided for everything.
It is claimed that men are less interested in establishing supportive and emotional relationships with others due to the traditional toxic masculinity. Men have smaller social networks and fewer interactions with family members and friends (McKenzie et al., 2018). Studies have shown that aged men in society lead in the suffering of depressions resulted from feelings of loneliness, distress, and sadness. The lack of emotional support because of failing to communicate with the loved ones in their families (McKenzie et al., 2018). Male-on-female rejection violence is considered as one of the domestic violence that occurs as a result of traditionally toxic masculinity in society. This kind of violence occurs when men respond toward rejection by women after expressing sexual interest. Studies have shown that men's reactions towards rejection by women include stabbing, shooting, gang rape, acid attacks, snapping spinal cords (Thacker, 2019). The rejection induces feelings of shame which is thought to threatened male dominance.
Toxic Masculinity brings about harassment and violence against women in public places. Also, masculinity has to street harassment of women which includes groping, catcalling and other physical behaviours exhibited by men that instil fear to women in the society (Thacker 2019). Several aspects contribute to and support male dominance in families and societies at large. Fatherhood is one of the aspects that support dominance over women and children in families. A father in a family is considered to be the breadwinner and be responsible for the proper upbringing of children through financial support (Meyer, 2017). According to Meyer (2017), men are considered as authoritative figures in families since they are the ones o who makes all kind of decision on behalf of women and children. This situation has made women and children in families to accept male dominance as a way of life in society. Men normally demand respect from their women and children because of the financial responsibility they held in the family.
Protection and responsibility are among the factors that contribute to manhood and masculinity in society. Studies have shown that protection has been associated with manhood therefore men are considered to be the protectors of their family in all circumstances of life (Meyer, 2017). Men also have be...