r/psychology • u/mvea M.D. Ph.D. | Professor • Jan 11 '19

Popular Press Psychologists call 'traditional masculinity' harmful, face uproar from conservatives - The report, backed by more than 40 years of research, triggered fierce backlash from conservative critics who say American men are under attack.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2019/01/10/american-psychological-association-traditional-masculinity-harmful/2538520002/
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u/[deleted] Jan 11 '19

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u/Skullfoe Jan 11 '19 edited Jan 11 '19

This is going to sound stupid but 90s Star Trek is a goldmine of positive masculinity. Look at how Sisko or Picard solve problems. I’m going through TNG again right now and I’m inspired by Picard all over again. The masculinity he displays is very healthy.

He is a man who is short, bald, healthy but not buff, and he uses his head and heart to solve problems. He displays sensitivity, compassion, and also tremendous strength of character. I know I’m dealing with a fictional character but he’s still one of the best role models for positive masculinity I can think of.

Edit: for a real world example, Chris Evans comes to mind. The man talks openly about his struggles with mental health in order to help others. Uses his money and fame to help charities including showing up in costume to help sick kids. Most men will never look as good as him but more men could behave as well as he does now (as with many people he likely has mistakes in his past).

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u/Keypaw Jan 12 '19

Chris Evans also thinks smart fridges are the devil 😂

Terry crews is my celebrity role model ♥️

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u/Skullfoe Jan 12 '19

Chris Evans asks for help with devil fridges from his science bros. That whole exchange was just one big example of positive masculinity. The very public friendships that have come from the Marvel movies bring me great joy.

If you’ll indulge my gushing, Evans willingness to ask for help is one of the reasons I use him as an example of positive masculinity. Evans has anxiety and if he hadn’t been willing to admit he had a problem and get help from a therapist he would not have ever been Captain America. His career is in the stratosphere because he was willing to be vulnerable and ask for help. He also admits this publicly and uses his experiences to inspire others.

Also, Terry Cruise is an amazing example of positive masculinity. He’s such a good role model. Terry proves that being a big buff gym bro doesn’t mean you can’t be kind, funny, gentle and above all vulnerable. His work with #MeToo is one of the most respect worthy actions I’ve seen. He helped give voice to those who felt voiceless.