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Oh, the pressure to be a 'real' man... You can't carry an umbrella, lunchboxes are a no-go, owning a cat is gay, and don't even dare think about crying! Of course that's all a bunch of rubbish but it doesn't stop certain grown men from believing (and spewing) the hype.
Some fight so hard to protect their flawless image of manhood that they end up shooting themselves in the foot with their embarrassing public comments. But we see your chests out. And we'll raise you a confident compilation of the most fragile toxic masculinity posts to shatter your ego into tiny shards.
Bored Panda has collected them from the r/toxicmasculinity community, a corner of the internet where people of all genders gather to discuss the dangers of this social disease.
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
Very Cool
#3
The Truth
About 4 in 10 American men see themselves as "highly masculine." That's according to a 2024 Pew Research poll, in which more than 6,000 adults participated. But what does it even mean to be masculine? It would seem the answer depends on who you ask.
For example, the Webster's New World College Dictionary defines masculine as "having qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys, as strength, vigor, boldness, etc.; manly; virile."
But does that mean women and girls can't be strong bold? Or that boys and men can't be vulnerable?
#4
The Kind Of Healthy Outlet That Every Child Needs
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
Should be mandatory for all parents. When problems arise, parents should be the biggest support, not the biggest threat.
#5
Remember Not To Use Lunchboxes
#6
Getting Rid Of The Shackles Of The Masculine Role
"Rather than defining boys or men as 'good' or 'bad,' or 'tough' or 'weak,' it's important to recognize that men, like women, have many facets that extend far beyond the traditional expectations of their gender," cautions Dr. Carly Snyder, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist.
Snyder adds that society often pressures men to "be men" in the traditional sense, rather than simply be human.
"For men, vulnerability is often neglected, dismissed, or combated," warns the expert. "When men push down emotions, ignore feelings, or dismiss their feminine traits, their mental health will suffer."
#7
“I Am Jack’s Complete Lack Of Surprise.”
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
Also: those who use "redpill" are quoting a movie made by two trans women written as an allegory of trans experience. The red pill symbolizes estrogen (live your truth at the cost of the world becoming uncomfortable and hostile towards you) while the blue pill symbolizes prozac (your life becomes comfortable, but you become complacent and will never know the truth meant for you).
#8
Watch Out How You Gesticulate Boys
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
"Progressive males are not men!!!" Me: "Okay, I'm no longer a man, you can refer to me as she/her." "NOT LIKE THAT!!!!!"
Binky Melnik 5 days ago
Luke, I dearly hope you touch your face as much as you can while talking to these fools!
Load More Replies...
Michael Largey 6 days ago (edited)
Men like this sound their smartest when their hands are over their mouth.
GalPalAl 3 days ago
Toxic masculinity is a disgusting character flaw in people who have nothing better to do than to troll people minding their own business and not hurting anyone. Its' better to be a j*****s than to admit you are scared of people who aren't as repugnant as you. It's better to be kind than to be a l*****e creep who deserves endless mocking
Social justice activist and public speaker Ron Blake agrees.
Blake once swallowed a bunch of pills, in the hopes that they would end his life. His mental health struggles began in 2015 after three men broke into his apartment, held him down, had their way with him and beat him.
Blake says society, and the police, failed him in his quest for justice. Purely because he's a man.
“A former FBI agent was brought in and did a detailed investigation on my case, and his report stated that the police treated me differently that night. He said it was because I was a male, and it became clear to many people that, because I’m a gay man, they just didn’t take it seriously,” revealed Blake.
#10
Was On Instagram And I Found This Persons Instagram Account. Looked Through Some Of The Posts. I Just Don’t Know What To Say
#11
Nonewnormal Isnt Just For Idiots, Its Also For Fragile Men
#12
Cats Are Gay Now
Blake believes that toxic masculinity took more from him than justice. He struggled to speak openly about the trauma in a world where men are encouraged to remain silent, and “tough it out.”
Today, he encourages boys and men to communicate their feelings and emotions more freely. “Once we remove those barriers, it will allow people to truly be themselves, a human being, without hiding their emotions and who they are,” he says.
#13
This Guys Comment On My Poem 🤭
#14
What’s The Quote? “You Think It’s Degrading For A Man To Act Like A Woman, Because You Think Being A Woman Is Degrading”?
#15
Don’t Read Books, Guys 🙃
Society often dictates that men and boys should suppress their emotions but this can lead to them handling pain alone. Another case in point is that of student Ayaan Maker.
“My friend’s dog passed away during school, while I was with him. Instead of letting us comfort him, he walked away because he didn’t want anyone to see him crying,” Maker told Scot Scoop, Carlmont High School's student news site.
#16
Oh, So When It Hits Close To Home It’s Different?🤔
Optimus Octopus 6 days ago
One thing bugs me about how now we call everyone who served in the military heroes is how many of them would you let date your sister or daughter?
#17
Fatherhood Is Not Safe Either Apparently
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
Idk... as long as it makes them care about their kids, let them have some fun with it. This looks more like a tongue-in-cheek mocking of the "alpha male" approach.
#18
You Can't Be Beautiful And A Man Simultaneously
Seedy Vine 6 days ago
So somewhere there's a suuuper straight guy going around calling other men handsome?
Blake believes that men need to be more empathetic so that they can process their feelings openly rather than internalizing them.
"We need men to be role models for the new generation. It all starts with teaching boys to not be men, but to be humans," he says. "This should not be a gender issue. Once we make this a human issue, toxic masculinity will fade."
#19
Men Can't Enjoy Seafood
#20
Jeff Feels So Threatened By A Cartoon That He Had To Write An Entire Article About It
#21
I’m So Tired Man
"The truth is being a man can mean whatever you want it to mean," says Britt East, author of A Gay Man's Guide to Life. "You get to decide." This also means that society as a whole needs to stop putting people into boxes.
"Our society needs to remember that being a man doesn’t mean you have to like sports or women. Being a strong man doesn’t mean you can’t show weakness or cry. Being a successful man doesn’t mean you have to marry or become a C-suite executive," adds Snyder. "Gender identities, just like career choices and lifestyle choices, don’t make you any less of a man."
#22
More “Rules For Thee But Not For Me” Nonsense
#23
Iwil Have A Fwapachino Pwease
JulieGellert 6 days ago
Hey, when I first went to college, I drank black, unsweetened coffee and felt so tough. I was a 16 year old girl. Guess we're the same, bro.
#24
This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
In an essay titled, Why Calling It 'Toxic Masculinity' Isn't Helping, Mark Greene argues that "masculinity is not toxic; our culture’s narrow, conformist, violent, bullying, man-box version of it is." He says that words matter, and that "language that critiques men’s culture (toxic culture of masculinity) is received differently than language that critiques men’s personal sense of self (toxic masculinity)."
One blames and shames, explains Greene, while the other invites men to understand how they are victims of man-box culture.
#25
Now You Can Finally Be A Manly Man And Stop Going To Beta Barbers!
#26
This Youtube Channel Is Just Astrology For Men
#27
Real Men Can't Get Cold
#28
Twitter Is Such A Lovely Place Isn’t It
#29
Putting All Your Self Worth On Your Perceived F**ckability. It’s So Sad To See Men Brush Off Positivity, Especially When They’re Being Told They Are Worth More Than The Things They Can’t Change About Themselves
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
I know women whose s3xual fantasy is to be dominated by a Xenomorph. If a woman doesn't want to have s3x with you, it's NOT because of your look.
#30
:|
#31
Do I Need To Write Anything?
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
Sad how many people see casual alcoholism as a haha laughing matter, and that applies to both this and the "wine moms"
#32
On A Video Where A Guy Happened To Have Painted Nails Lmfao
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
If it offends "alpha males", it just makes me want to paint my nails more
#33
I Found This In The Q&a For An Air Purifier On Amazon
#34
Local Bro Ashamed To Give Positive Feedback To Women’s Clothing...as Part Of His Job
#35
Dude Thinks He’s Eren Jaeger
#36
The Entitlement And Lack Of Self Awareness Is Overwhelming
#37
Ugh, Saying Sorry Is Nonexistent Cause ‘We’re Guys’ Apparently
Gavin Johnson 6 days ago
He’s got issues with his keyboard, it keeps inserting … at random points … it’s like his … keyboard needs … time to process or think … about what it’s being forced to write. ‘Keyboard, if you are OK blink twice’.
#38
Manly Color
Spellflinger 6 days ago
Pink used to be considered too strong a color for girls. IT'S A COLOR FOLKS NO GENDER HERE TO SEE!
#39
Whew! So Glad They Were Only “Bro-Hugging”. Otherwise It’d Mean They Were Gay Or Something
#40
Til That Men Wearing Bright Colours Is Juvenile. And Not Age Appropriate?
Doctor Strange 6 days ago
Maturity is knowing when it is ok to be immature. When I'm work, I dress and act professionally. But on my time? I'm going to do what makes me happy. If that means wearing a stupid shirt, or dancing with an inannimate object at a ball, who am I hurting?
#41
Found This On A Xbox Post About Minecraft
#42
Why Just Why
Michael Largey 6 days ago
Men are the group that should be labeled ruthless. I don't know a single man named Ruth.
#43
Toxic Masculinity Has Entered The Chat 🙄
#44
Run-Jumps Gaily
#45
Caring About Animals Lives, The Environment Or Human Lives Is Now Pansy S**t
#46
Men Are Not Allowed To Cry, According To Twitter Intellectuals
#47
Whatever Shall We Do!?
#48
Heres Something Replied To Me On A Youtube Video
General Anaesthesia 6 days ago
That's why they like manly sports, so they can celebrate scoring like a troop of hórny monkies.
#49
Will Take Down If I Did Something Wrong
Doctor Strange 6 days ago
This is why so many men can't or won't show emotion or weakness. Too many times I've opened up and gotten the 'man up' speech.
#50
Little Bit Toxic?
#51
Idk If It Fits Here But Anyway, I Saw A Guy Sharing His "Opinion" On Abuse So I Texted His GF To Make Sure She's Safe. Feel Free To Msg His GF And Show Her That This Is Abuse
#52
This Feels Like Pure Toxic Masculinity This Boot *reviewer*
#53
“Emasculated” For Carrying A Bag?
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
I've been told a few times that I'm carrying a "handbag" (it's a crossbody bag actually) but it's practical as hell and fits SO many pins so the joke's on them.
#54
This Man Needs A Therapist
Rick Murray 5 days ago
The worst thing about social media is that this sort of thing is being normalised rather than being a reason to section the nutters...
#55
Seen At A Local Candy Shop
#57
They Call It Puppy Love
#59
Finally You Can Wash Without Putting Your Masculinity In Danger
#60
From A Pick Up Artist
#61
Spotted In The Wild
#62
This Guy Is A Goldmine Of Cringe
#63
Real Men Don't Post Anything Apparently
#64
I Guess Basic Safety Is Also Not Masculine Enough
nottheactualphoto 6 days ago
I saw that sticker on an old (1960s) VW beetle, but it read as tongue-in-cheek.
#65
Men These Days Aren’t F**king Up Their Teeth With Pliers Like They Used To. F**king P**sies
Beak Hookage 6 days ago
You can literally di.e from poorly kept teeth, but dying is manly so go right ahead.
#66
Okay Freud Calm Tf Down
#67
#9 Is My Favorite!
#68
Seen In A Bar In Bozeman, MT
#69
Toxic Masculinity At Its Finest
#70
“Women Fear Men They Respect”
#71
As A Rider, I'm Part Of A Few Motorcycle Groups So I Know When There Are Group/Charity Rides I Can Join But Most Of The Time It's Just Stuff Like This
Luke || Kira (he/she) 6 days ago
That's not TOO bad tho, IMO relationships with lots of common interests are healthy and long-lasting
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What do you think ?
FluffyDreg 6 days ago
Because some people lack the ability to understand words. Toxic Masculinity =/= Masculinity is toxic. In FACT it literally means the OPPOSITE. The fact toxic has to be SPECIFIED means that by DEFAULT Masculinity ISN'T toxic. It proves that there is another form of Masculinity that is healthy. Toxic Masculinity only refers to when masculine ideals are taken to such an extreme they hurt everyone. Like telling men they arent allowed to have any emotions, that they are lesser than if they show feelings.
Doctor Strange 6 days ago
I've posted this before, but just a reminder: the person who coined the phrases 'alpha' 'beta' etc DISPROVED HIS OWN STUDY. Those terms don't exist. In reality, a wolf pack is just a family. The 'alphas' are just mom and dad. So the guy at the amusement park with the fany pack full snacks making sure his family is happy, healthy and wel fed is the truest alpha male you will ever meet.
Doug Moyer 3 days ago
While that's true for wolves, there are definitely alpha/beta male structures elsewhere in the animal kingdom, including chimpanzees and gorillas and (in a different way) orangutans. And, clearly, it has been part of some human societies.
Load More Replies... Laszlo Larthlanc 5 days ago (edited)
I'm lucky. I went through all of this already, back in the '60s and '70s. We had long hair, we wore beads and other jewelry, and if you want to count bits of face paint we wore makeup, too. We had cats, and we had women friends who were just friends, not bedmates. Women were beginning to sleep with other women, and men were beginning to sleep with other men. In some cases it was explorative and in other cases it turned out to be forever. Even if you weren't a gay man you could still say, "I love you, man" and hug another guy without being brought up on charges. Did we occasionally get threatened by the MAGAts of our day? Yes. Did we occasionally get whomped on by those people? Yes. Did member[s of that group ever find out that a man with long hair could still throw a solid punch? Yes. We did yoga, and we did Tai chi, and we knew how our bodies worked better than some of them did.
Laszlo Larthlanc 5 days ago
I'm sorry that men still have to suffer through this, but the fact that these people are still questioning you and trying to intimidate you means that underneath all of their bluster and bravado they're afraid of you, afraid of how you're living your life, and afraid that their cult will hurt them if for one second they try to live the way they were actually meant to live, and by that I mean free. You've already won, even if you're still in the sad position of taking cráp for it. Keep doing what you're doing.
Load More Replies...
Breadcrumb. 5 days ago
Some of these posts, so much wrong, these men are not alright. But it's not womens work to fix this, men need to talk more about their feelings with each other.
FluffyDreg 6 days ago
Because some people lack the ability to understand words. Toxic Masculinity =/= Masculinity is toxic. In FACT it literally means the OPPOSITE. The fact toxic has to be SPECIFIED means that by DEFAULT Masculinity ISN'T toxic. It proves that there is another form of Masculinity that is healthy. Toxic Masculinity only refers to when masculine ideals are taken to such an extreme they hurt everyone. Like telling men they arent allowed to have any emotions, that they are lesser than if they show feelings.
Doctor Strange 6 days ago
I've posted this before, but just a reminder: the person who coined the phrases 'alpha' 'beta' etc DISPROVED HIS OWN STUDY. Those terms don't exist. In reality, a wolf pack is just a family. The 'alphas' are just mom and dad. So the guy at the amusement park with the fany pack full snacks making sure his family is happy, healthy and wel fed is the truest alpha male you will ever meet.
Doug Moyer 3 days ago
While that's true for wolves, there are definitely alpha/beta male structures elsewhere in the animal kingdom, including chimpanzees and gorillas and (in a different way) orangutans. And, clearly, it has been part of some human societies.
Load More Replies... Laszlo Larthlanc 5 days ago (edited)
I'm lucky. I went through all of this already, back in the '60s and '70s. We had long hair, we wore beads and other jewelry, and if you want to count bits of face paint we wore makeup, too. We had cats, and we had women friends who were just friends, not bedmates. Women were beginning to sleep with other women, and men were beginning to sleep with other men. In some cases it was explorative and in other cases it turned out to be forever. Even if you weren't a gay man you could still say, "I love you, man" and hug another guy without being brought up on charges. Did we occasionally get threatened by the MAGAts of our day? Yes. Did we occasionally get whomped on by those people? Yes. Did member[s of that group ever find out that a man with long hair could still throw a solid punch? Yes. We did yoga, and we did Tai chi, and we knew how our bodies worked better than some of them did.
Laszlo Larthlanc 5 days ago
I'm sorry that men still have to suffer through this, but the fact that these people are still questioning you and trying to intimidate you means that underneath all of their bluster and bravado they're afraid of you, afraid of how you're living your life, and afraid that their cult will hurt them if for one second they try to live the way they were actually meant to live, and by that I mean free. You've already won, even if you're still in the sad position of taking cráp for it. Keep doing what you're doing.
Load More Replies... Breadcrumb. 5 days ago
Some of these posts, so much wrong, these men are not alright. But it's not womens work to fix this, men need to talk more about their feelings with each other.
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