Embrace A New Vision of Masculinity in 2023
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The new vision of masculinity 2023 rejects the polarizing versions of traditional and modern masculinity and introduces the concept of ‘masculine divine', a force that harmonizes the brain and brawn resulting in the ‘Awakened Masculine’.
1. What is modern day masculinity Vs Traditional?
While traditional versions of masculinity are associated with aggression, dominance, emotional suppression, the modern version promotes over-sensitivity, unaccountability, vanity and self obsession.
As the world progressed from past to present, we now experience both these forms. The toxic form of masculinity represses, takes pride in arrogance, and celebrates entitlement, while its polar opposite extreme exhibits timidity, is overly apologetic and hyper sensitive.
Modern masculinity ditched its strengths of the past, which used to manifest in form of action, internal locus of control, responsibility, and self accountability to outward forces of validation, vanity, glorification of timidity, among other traits.
Men, often under pressure to identify, end up choosing one extreme or the other because those who don’t fit into these molds are ostracized. The ones who make a choice, end up perpetuating harmful power structures of the past, or weak, paralytic institutions of the present.
Both forms of masculinity have ultimately resulted in negative mental health outcomes for men. The pressure to conform to these norms can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Moreover, these norms come at the total expense to society, which has included women, children, marginalized groups and men themselves .
2. Why Is An Evolution Needed?
Traditional and modern versions of masculinity have failed dramatically. The list of societal ailments, from gender alienation, gender wars, individual isolation, cancel cultures, etc are endless and have never been this severe.
Hence, with societies at a risk of imploding from within, a new vision of masculinity is needed that is cognizant of its strengths and weaknesses, and applies itself with responsibility.
This evolution of masculinity will drive a much needed calibration of our polarized societies.
3. Tradition & Modernity Are Both Harmful
Both traditional and modern masculinity have negatively impacted men by creating a culture where emotional suppression or over expression is encouraged. Both have led to difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships and an overall lack of fulfillment.
Additionally, they lead to negative mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.
Traditional or modern masculinity also negatively impacts women and marginalized groups because they now either face a repressive man, or a highly inactive timid one.
While the stereotypical traditional masculinity results in violence, harassment, and discrimination, modern masculinity has made men into inactive bystanders, always seeking validation and self obsessed with themselves.
4. What Is New Masculinity?
The new vision of masculinity is nothing but a realization of the tenets of masculinity that have been timeless, also termed as the ‘masculine divine’.
These tenets are the ones that were expressed by the earliest man who led a purpose driven life of hunting gathering and then as recently as our fathers who undertook unconditional responsibilities towards the well-being of the family they steered. They are ageless, and form the foundation of responsibility that a man undertook from childhood until his death.
Hence, the new vision of masculinity is about embracing its awakening, while embodying the following:
A. Emotional intelligence and expression
Men are encouraged to be emotionally intelligent and expressive, rather than suppressing their emotions. This can lead to healthier relationships and better communication.
B. Rejecting harmful stereotypes
Men reject harmful stereotypes of past and present. They include the associated versions of masculinity, such as aggression, dominance, vanity, self-obsession and external locus of control. This allows for more positive interactions with others.
C. Active listening and empathy
Men actively listen to and empathize with others, rather than dismissing their feelings or experiences. This creates a more inclusive and empathetic society.
D. Respect for women and marginalized groups
Men respect and value women and other marginalized groups, rather than perpetuating harmful power structures. This allows for more inclusive and equal opportunities for all people.
e. Taking responsibility for one's actions
Men take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others, rather than making excuses or blaming others. This creates a more accountable and responsible society.
5. How to Embrace This Vision?
Realizing this new vision of masculinity is not always easy, especially for men who have grown up with traditional or modern extremes of masculine norms. However, there are many things that men can do to start embracing a new vision of masculinity. These include:
Educate yourself on harmful masculine norms of past and present
Challenge harmful behavior when you see it
Practice vulnerability and emotional expression
Be accountable to yourself and to the society around you
Model positive behaviour
6. A Vision That Results in an ‘Awakened Masculine’
There are many benefits to embracing a new vision of masculinity which combine to deliver an awakening or a concept termed as ‘awakened masculine’. The resulting benefits include:
Improved mental health outcomes
Healthier relationships
More inclusive and welcoming society
Susan Sontag, the late American writer and critic rightfully observed this force of the ‘masculine divine’ as:
An ‘Awakened Masculine’
“What is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine, what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.”
7. Obstacles To Embracing The New Vision Of Masculinity
The obstacles to embracing a new vision of masculinity include social pressure to conform to traditional or modern extremes of the masculine norms, fear of judgment or ridicule, and limited access to resources or support.
These obstacles must be overcome to create a society where men can be themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule.
8. Overcoming Obstacles
To overcome obstacles to embracing a new vision of masculinity, men can take several steps, including:
Creating supportive communities and networks
Seeking out resources and support
Challenging harmful behavior in yourself and others
Understanding that embracing a new vision of masculinity is a process
By taking these steps, men can start to create a society that recognizes the diverse ways in which men can express themselves, and that values accountability, selflessness, empathy, emotional expression, and respect for all people.
9. FAQs
What is the new alternative masculinity?
A new vision of masculinity is about creating a society in which men become self accountable, selfless, empathetic, and value respect towards people.
Is this new vision about making men less masculine?
No, a new vision of masculinity is not about making men less masculine.
Rather, it is about reverting to the timeless tenets of masculinity that have perpetuated and stood the test of time.
The characteristics of new masculinity include being selfless, accountable, assertive, nurturing where needed, dominating where required, while all the time being cognizant of their strengths and weaknesses.
Are traditional and modern masculine norms harmful?
Yes, both traditional and modern masculine norms can be harmful to both men and women. They can lead to negative mental health outcomes for men and perpetuate harmful power structures or inactivity (fence sitting) at the expense of women and other marginalized groups.
How can we promote this new vision in society?
We can promote a new vision of masculinity in society first and foremost by modeling the behavior of divine masculinity ourselves. Nothing is a more powerful expression than action over words.
We can also challenge harmful behaviour when we see it and create spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all people. Read more on how to embrace this new vision by applying divine masculine energy in everyday life.
What are some examples of harmful masculine norms?
Examples of harmful masculine norms include aggression, emotional suppression, dominance, and objectification of women and marginalized groups. The opposite includes a self-obsessed vain, timid man who is not able to take a stand for the right cause in face of opposition.
Is it possible for men to change their behavior and embrace this vision?
Yes, it is possible for men to change their behavior and embrace a new vision of masculinity. However, it requires a willingness to challenge traditional and modern masculine norms and to be open to new ways of being a man.
What are some of the benefits of promoting it in society?
Some of the benefits of promoting a new vision of masculinity in society include men assuming responsibilities for those around them, tolerance and empathy towards others, and improving mental health outcomes for men.
How can we overcome the obstacles to embracing this new vision?
We can overcome the obstacles to embracing a new vision of masculinity by mentoring and being role models of it ourselves, while challenging harmful behavior in ourselves and others, and understanding that embracing a new vision of masculinity is a process.
How can we measure its progress?
We can measure progress in promoting a new vision of masculinity by tracking mental health outcomes for men, measuring attitudes towards harmful traditional and modern masculine norms.
Other measures that would serve as a barometer to the success of the new vision of masculinity could include tracking rates of gender-based violence and harassment, monitoring media representation of positive masculine role models, and evaluating the success of men's health initiatives.
10. Conclusion
The new vision of masculinity seeks to break free from traditional and modern masculine norms that are harmful to both men and women. It promotes men to be self accountable, and their responsibility towards diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all people, regardless of gender or other characteristics.
Finally, by embracing the new vision, men can realize the state of an ‘awakened masculine’, which can both nurture and revert to nature as needed, leading to a more balanced society.
