In a rapidly changing world where traditional gender roles are evolving, it becomes crucial to highlight the distinct challenges that men confront daily.
This is an opportunity for men to candidly share their struggles, which are frequently misunderstood or disregarded by society.
1. The Art of Handshakes
“Calculating at light speed the exact force needed in order to squeeze another dude’s hand just right when doing handshakes.”
A firm handshake can often be a gateway to a positive first impression. Men frequently find themselves gauging the right amount of pressure to apply to convey confidence without seeming aggressive.
2. Interacting with Children
“You can’t have fun with kids or call them cute without being labeled a creep.”
Engaging with children openly and warmly can sometimes be a tightrope walk for men. Society’s preconceived notions can cast shadows on innocent interactions, creating a barrier that prevents men from expressing affection freely.
3. Economic Pressures
“Feeling like we (I) can’t provide. I have a job with what used to be pretty good pay. Our economy and inflation have caused it to feel like the things we used to occasionally now feel like we never have the opportunity to because of income.”
The economic landscape is ever-changing, and many men feel the weight of providing amidst uncertainties. The joy derived from occasional indulgences now feels like a luxury as inflation eats into earnings.
4. The Misconception of Appearance
“Looking intimidating, I’m a fairly big dude 6’1 290ish lbs with a beard people look at me and see me as some a****** when in reality I’m a very friendly and approachable person!”
Appearances can be deceiving. Men with a robust build often find themselves battling stereotypes, their friendly nature overshadowed by their physical demeanor. The challenge lies in breaking through the initial perceptions and showcasing their true self.
5. Ignored Health Concerns
“I have a hernia that I do not fix because I do not have money. Everyone in my family knows this. Who is the first person called on to move something heavy? I am relatively strong and do not complain, so it is me. Most people do not give a flying f— about a man’s medical issues/history.”
Men often find their health concerns overlooked, even within their families, being called upon for physically demanding tasks despite facing health issues, highlighting a lack of sensitivity towards men’s health.
6. The Loneliness of Dating
“Dating after school is over. I’ve never felt more invisible to women.”
Navigating the dating scene post-school often feels like treading through a desert for many men. The sense of invisibility and the challenge of initiating connections can lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
7. The Burden of Strength
“We’re expected to be strong enough to handle whatever life throws at us.”
Society’s lens often views men as pillars of resilience. This expectation, though flattering, can be a double-edged sword. It demands stoicism in the face of adversity, sometimes at the expense of emotional well-being.
8. The Silence on Appreciation
“The constant assumption that if you appreciate a woman doing something well, be it acting in a movie, something skillful on YouTube, or expertly doing her job, that you want to [sleep with] her and that’s the only reason you’d be impressed. I just stay quiet about a lot of things because I often can’t find a way to say a like wondering without it being misconstrued.”
Admiring a woman’s achievements can be a minefield for men. Expressing genuine appreciation risks being misconstrued as ulterior motives, leading many to withhold praise. This silence stifles real connections and mutual respect.
9. Lack of Support for Male Victims
“There’s no support for male victims of sexual assault.”
Sexual assault doesn’t discriminate by gender. Yet, male victims often find themselves in the shadows, their experiences minimized or dismissed. The pressing need is for a society that listens, believes, and supports, irrespective of gender.
10. The Isolation & Mental Health
“The sheer loneliness that can be associated with a man not having a good social support network. Imagine being cut off from most, if not all external input for a period of 6 months (my experience was due to COVID). This is not necessarily a gendered issue, but it affects men and women. However, many men seem to be poorly equipped to deal with isolation. I suspect this problem affects men of certain ages more than others, but it started for me at age 22.”
For many men, isolation isn’t just physical. It’s a mental echo chamber, amplifying anxieties and doubts. Especially during events like the pandemic, the absence of a robust support network can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, leading to severe mental health challenges.
11. The Pressure of Financial Worth
“Your worth as a person is directly correlated to how much money you earn. As a man, the majority of people will treat you worse than dirt if they know you are poor or unemployed. Your net worth is your worth as a person and there are absolutely no freebies.”
In many societies, a man’s value intertwines with his financial standing. This perspective, while archaic, persists, subjecting men to immense pressure. Their self-worth often reflects their net worth, leading to internal and external judgments.
12. The Unspoken Emotional Turmoil
“Nobody to confide in. If you’re struggling, society expects you to just push through it and don’t show your emotion.”
Emotions, a universal human experience, often become a silent burden for men. Society’s expectations muzzle their emotional expressions, forcing many to bottle up feelings. This silent struggle can erode mental well-being over time.
13. Body Image & Self-Worth
“There is no body positivity movement for men.”
While body positivity gains momentum, men’s body image issues remain under-discussed. From height to baldness, societal standards and jests can dent their self-esteem.
It’s a call for broader inclusivity in the body positivity movement.
14. Deciphering Hints In Relationships
“Trying to decipher the hints provided by women.”
Relationships come with their cryptic language. For many men, understanding subtle cues becomes a perplexing task. Misinterpretations can lead to miscommunications, emphasizing the need for open dialogues and mutual understanding.
15. The Expectations of Handyman Skills
“Your mom wants you do to all her home improvement stuff even if you have zero experience with what needs to be done.”
The age-old stereotype casts men as the default handymen. Whether it’s fixing a leak or assembling furniture, the expectation persists, even if expertise doesn’t. It’s a reminder that skills aren’t gender-bound and everyone can learn.
16. The Aggression from Other Males
“Facing aggression from other males for [nonsense] reasons. Every guy wants to show how hung he is by beating up someone weaker.”
In the male world, dominance battles often manifest as aggression. This testosterone-driven competition can lead to unnecessary confrontations rooted in the desire to establish superiority rather than genuine conflicts.
17. The Rarity of Positive Female Attention
“How rare positive female attention is for the average guy, especially if you’re not traditionally masculine. Even when it comes to just being friends it’s rare for women to initiate things.”
For many men, genuine compliments from women are like rare gems. Whether it’s due to societal norms or personal hesitations, the scarcity of such affirmations can impact self-worth and confidence.
18. The School Bullying Dynamics
“You get bullied by a girl in school, they don’t do [anything]. You bully them back, you go to the office and get a 3-day suspension.”
Schoolyards aren’t just playgrounds, they’re arenas of power play. The repercussions are twofold when boys face bullying, especially from female peers. They grapple with the immediate humiliation and the societal stigma of “being weaker.”
19. Neglected Mental Health
“No one cares about your mental health at all.”
Mental health, universally crucial, often becomes a sidelined topic for men. Masked behind the facade of “toughness,” their struggles remain unvoiced, leading to a silent epidemic of emotional distress.
Men’s mental health is a critical issue that demands attention and a shift in societal attitudes to foster well-being and support.
20. The Joy of Simple Affections
“That even the slightest sign of affection towards us can lift us into the sky for the rest of the day.”
Men cherish even the slightest signs of affection, which can uplift their spirits immensely, showcasing the deep value of kindness and appreciation in their lives. A kind word, a gentle touch, or a smile can make their day. These seemingly small gestures, often underestimated, hold the power to transform their day, underscoring the importance of everyday affections.
21. Facing False Claims
“False claims made about you being taken at face value. If a girl says you were a creep or took advantage of her, or acted discriminatory, there is no recourse. They will be believed uncritically, with or without evidence. Because society is preconditioned to see you as a perpetrator.”
In an era of instant judgments, men sometimes find themselves ensnared in false accusations. Without due diligence, the societal rush to verdict can shatter reputations and lives, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives.
Understanding Gender Equality In Context
Gender equality is not just about ensuring that women have equal rights and opportunities; it’s about ensuring that both genders, male and female, enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities, and protections.
According to UNICEF DATA, gender equality is essential for every child, whether a girl or a boy, to have a fair chance in life. Investments in gender equality lead to lifelong positive outcomes for children and their communities, with significant inter-generational payoffs.
It’s crucial to understand that while women face unique challenges, men too encounter struggles associated with their gender. The well-being of children often depends on the well-being of both genders.
Stanford’s Gendered Innovations highlights the persistent nature of gender inequality, emphasizing that men and masculinity play a role in this dynamic. It’s essential to recognize and address the challenges faced by men to truly achieve gender equality.
As we navigate through a world striving for gender equality, it is crucial to understand and address men’s unique struggles. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can work towards breaking stereotypes and promoting a healthier society for all.
More from Viral Chatter
Men, like everyone, have their own set of emotions, fears, and insecurities. However, societal norms and expectations sometimes make it challenging for them to express these feelings openly.
Here’s a list of things that many men find hard to put into words:
7 Silent Struggles Boys Face on Their Journey to Adulthood
In a world that often focuses on the struggles faced by women, it’s easy to overlook the unique struggles that men go through.
Let’s look at boys’ multifaceted challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood.
Sources
- data.unicef.org/topic/gender/overview/
- gender.stanford.edu/news/men-masculinity-and-persistent-nature-gender-inequality
- reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/14zexuk/what_is_a_struggle_that_men_face_that_women/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
