Women’s Issues: 19 Insights From A Man Who Gets Straight To The Point

Previously, Mohammed shared with Bored Panda that the best approach to fighting sexism and toxic masculinity revolves around early education. “But more importantly, I believe, is teaching young men of their specific roles in the patriarchy and how toxic masculinity is dangerous to both themselves and those around them,” he told us. 

We reached out to the video creator to find out what changes happened in his life over these past few months. “I finished my Master’s degree, and am super proud of how I did. So I’m currently a Master in Politics and IR,” he said. 

“Regarding my social media, I’ve been able to gather a large enough platform to officially help out with loads of initiatives and organizations such as The Female Lead and Women’s Equality Party.” Mohammed mentioned it has been “super nice to be a part of, and such a great learning experience” to be surrounded by incredible people.

When asked about his followers, the creator said he could group them into three distinctive categories. “Firstly, many amazing women follow me who see my content as a safe place,” he noted. “Many have told me it brings them a lot of reassurance to know that a man can align himself with the struggles of women and that, because of this, they know it isn’t an alien concept to hold other men to that same standard.” 

“Secondly, we have the men who send me countless messages in solidarity with my videos,” he continued. They say “they feel more comfortable being active on the same issues, as I have shown men can be vocal allies to the cause and create a vibrant community of supporters and contributors.” 

“Finally, we have the hate.” Mohammed explained that the majority of the hate is through men saying “I am emasculating myself for what I do. To them, I say—my masculinity does not require the oppression of women, and for that I am a much healthier and happier individual with amazing personal relationships because of it.”

“Men make up half the population and maintain much more than half of the institutional privileges and powers. If any progressive movement (especially feminism) is to do well—it would require not just the support of men, but the vocal alliance and the physical activism too,” he said. 

Fortunately, he sees a positive change in our society. “Recently, many men have taken up this mission too, such as Justin Baldoni—and in this, I see a real shift happening in the success of the noble goals of the feminist and larger class-based issues!”

Mohammed is really grateful to all his supporters: “You’ve all been invaluable and I cherish every lesson and experience I’ve been fortunate enough to share with you. This year, there are a lot of big things coming, such as a YouTube channel I’ve been preparing for the last 3 months, to larger initiatives with other organizations and people I’ll be announcing soon,” he revealed some of the upcoming events in his life. 

Bored Panda also had a chat about toxic and healthy masculinity with Dr. Jesse Matthews, a licensed clinical psychologist. “Toxic masculinity is an extreme version of common masculine traits like strength, courage, and independence,” he told us. 

“These traits, as well as masculinity and femininity, exist on a spectrum and are perfectly healthy when not taken to an extreme. Masculinity becomes toxic when it becomes about power and dominance, disregard for others and for consequences, and rejection of anything seen as feminine or not masculine.”

Matthews explained that such a macho attitude is harmful to those who ascribe to it “because their focus is on obtaining or holding power and showing others this tough, impenetrable exterior, rather than relating to others in an honest or genuine way.” This mentality also has serious consequences: “It leads to loneliness, lack of connection, and often anger, depression, and use of unhealthy coping skills like displays of aggression and substance abuse.” 

“Toxic masculinity harms others who are victims of it—women, of course, and also other males who are viewed as feminine or not masculine enough,” Matthews added. “Endorsing toxic masculinity also affects those closest to the person, including their partners and children, since the relationships and role modeling may be about the man holding power and never showing weakness.”

When men are not being open or vulnerable, it’s hard for them to form deep connections. “And, of course, boys raised by someone demonstrating toxic masculinity are likely to internalize the same thinking,” the licensed psychologist continued. Meanwhile, “girls may feel less than the males in the family or could become submissive in their interactions with males.”

Men with toxic masculinity often have negative views towards women’s rights because it “involves keeping power over others, most of all women,” Dr. Jesse Matthews added that this is essentially the basis of sexism. 

“Since traditionally men have held more power, they may view this as the natural order of things and as something they don’t want to give up. Women’s rights are about being treated equally to men, so men who believe they are entitled to power over women are likely to resist this.”

When it comes to men with healthy masculinity, they actually have most of the same traits, only in more moderate amounts. “In addition, they do not fear having some degree of feminine traits. And this has absolutely nothing to do with their sexuality or how manly they are! Common feminine traits include sensitivity, empathy, vulnerability, self-awareness, and cooperation.” 

He continued: “A man with healthy masculinity may be strong, independent, and assertive, but he can be these things without disregarding or seeking power over others. He can be successful in whatever his goals are, yet still care about other people, seek support or ask for help when necessary, and help others or work cooperatively with them.” 

Dr. Jesse Matthews concluded that healthy males are secure in themselves and their masculinity, “and they don’t feel threatened by women having more rights or by less masculine people existing in the world.”

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