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‘Things We Should Stop Saying To Men’: Illustration About Everyday Toxic Masculinity Goes Viral
‘Things We Should Stop Saying To Men’: Illustration About Everyday Toxic Masculinity Goes Viral
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‘Things We Should Stop Saying To Men’: Illustration About Everyday Toxic Masculinity Goes Viral

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“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” might sound right, but it ignores the power that words have on our mental health. And every word can be a drop in a bucket already full to the brim with unreachable expectations that can easily overflow.

For International Men’s Day on November 19, The Yellow Club, which fights for accessible and affordable mental healthcare for everyone, shared an illustrated post about what we shouldn’t say to men.

Scroll down and have a look, dear Pandas. We’d love to hear what you think about the advice. So share your thoughts about society’s expectations for men to be unemotional all the time in the comments.

More info: Instagram | Twitter | YellowClub.in

RELATED:

    The Yellow Club shared a spot-on post about the things that some people say to men that do more harm than good for their mental health

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

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    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

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    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

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    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

    Image credits: yellowclubofficial

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    The Yellow Club pointed out that they wanted to acknowledge the struggles that men face. Including the unrealistic standards of keeping all of their emotions perfectly in check and having to “suffer in stoic silence” when under pressure.

    “Let’s stop asking men to never show emotions, instead let’s ask them how they’re feeling. Let’s treat men as humans. Emotional, prone to mistakes, fear, uncertainty, and yes, humans who are capable and want to, at times, cry,” The Yellow Club suggests that we stop putting men on a pedestal and look at them realistically. Imperfect. Raw. Vulnerable.

    Seeing men as human beings takes a lot of weight from their shoulders. They can then open up and be honest about their thoughts and feelings, instead of hiding behind (seemingly) impenetrable suits of (un)emotional armor.

    That’s not to say that toughness, grit, fortitude (and whatever else you call the ability to move past failure) aren’t important life skills to have. They are! And they may help pave the way to success, according to research. However, they might not be the only important character features to have, like some argue.

    Furthermore, you can’t automatically expect every man out there to be a master of fortitude, a tower of toughness, and an island of perseverance just by virtue of their gender. Being ‘perfect’ is too much pressure and can do more harm than good. Aim for growth, being better every day, and kindness, instead.

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    Here’s how some Instagram users reacted to The Yellow Club’s illustrated post about the expectations we have for men

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    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Author, Senior Writer

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    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real.At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design.In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle.I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    Read less »
    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Author, Senior Writer

    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real.At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design.In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle.I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    Denis Tymulis

    Denis Tymulis

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Denis is a photo editor at Bored Panda. After getting his bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design, he tried to succeed in digital design, advertising, and branding. Also, Denis really enjoys sports and loves everything related to board sports and water.

    Read less »

    Denis Tymulis

    Denis Tymulis

    Author, Community member

    Denis is a photo editor at Bored Panda. After getting his bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design, he tried to succeed in digital design, advertising, and branding. Also, Denis really enjoys sports and loves everything related to board sports and water.

    What do you think ?
    Al Christensen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Real men don't worry whether they're real men. They worry whether they're good men.

    Saara .
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, "good" is undefined nowadays.

    Load More Replies...
    Museo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you are honest: Unfortunately, not only many men have this "toxic attitude" and expectation of men, but also many women.

    Ivana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait...is telling men that facial hair is toxic masculinity a thing? Weird. Never heard that. As for dates, my first date with my husband I paid for the dinner and he paid for the movie. Just switch off who pays.

    Load More Comments
    Al Christensen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Real men don't worry whether they're real men. They worry whether they're good men.

    Saara .
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, "good" is undefined nowadays.

    Load More Replies...
    Museo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you are honest: Unfortunately, not only many men have this "toxic attitude" and expectation of men, but also many women.

    Ivana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait...is telling men that facial hair is toxic masculinity a thing? Weird. Never heard that. As for dates, my first date with my husband I paid for the dinner and he paid for the movie. Just switch off who pays.

    Load More Comments
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