originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:15 PM

---

@benjamin_ wrote:

interesting point @FItzChivalry

 

I'm with you on the idea of sacrificing what you want for the needs of others.

---

Really? For me it is something that a mother always does.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:21 PM

@stonepixie Sorry if my post came across as implying that it's something that men only do - I really don't think making sacrifices is something that's limited to either gender. My mother sacrificed an overwhelming amount for myself and my family, as did my father. 

 

I think it's something that I would like to be more comfortable doing personally

 

 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:16 PM

@stonepixie Perhaps it often falls to the woman, but it doesn't mean the man shouldn't do it!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:21 PM

@FItzChivalry I think it is just the job of a parent and perhaps we only notice it of the parent that has the same sex we identify with,

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:23 PM

@stonepixie that's an interesting point 🙂 For me being a man is all about family, putting the needs of your loved ones above the needs of yourself. I guess that really sums up what a woman/mother does too, but this is the main characteristic I aspire to have

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:27 PM

I do wonder sometimes @FItzChivalry why we say it makes us a man/woman. Why can we not just aspire to be a good person, regardless of which gender we identify with?

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:29 PM

@copse I think you hit the nail right on the head with that post. At the end of the day our gender shouldn't really be a factor. 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:28 PM

So it seems we are all struggling to find a true definition of what it means to be a man, which highlights how difficult it is for a man to understand their own role in society! I think the key point is that everybody sees it differently, and the most important thing is to be true to your character and beliefs, regardless of where you are on the gender spectrum 🙂
Now for the next question:

Where do you think the pressures that face men today come from? Is it the media, the opposite sex, or themselves?

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:37 PM

Where do you think the pressures that face men today come from? Is it the media, the opposite sex, or themselves?

 

Everywhere! From the media to their own ideals of how to be a man, to their friends, to the type of guy the girl they are crushing on is attacted to.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:41 PM

Where do you think the pressures that face men today come from? Is it the media, the opposite sex, or themselves?

 

I work and study in variety of places with a variety of cultures which have a variety of masculinities. And most of the time I dont really care if I am being highly masculine or non masculine, theres going to be people who are 'more manly' and 'less manly'.

 

But the time when I do feel the pressure, is the media, facebook, instagram etc.......and I think it hits me when you see photos of for example on my facebook feed tonight kickboxing ring girls next to super masculine MMA fighters (just an example that popped up on my newsfeed a few minutes ago :P)

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:54 PM

even when i go to gym or seeing ripped guys at footy my self confidence just goes out the window

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:58 PM

lol @j95 I can completely relate, but it's irrational that we feel that way! 

 

 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:48 PM

I agree with feeling pressure through social media and things that come up on a daily basis. I see photos of men that make me feel so inadequate sometimes

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:51 PM

@j95 the social media thing is a good point. 

 

For example, most of the time i'm quite happy with how I look, but every time I see some pic on facebook of a bunch of massive ripped guys I feel a little inadequate! It's like a reflex kinda response. 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:54 PM

And yet, I see massively ripped guys as a turn off.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:38 PM

@stonepixie I think you're right, the pressures seem to come from every these days, and they all build each other up too!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:36 PM

Where do you think the pressures that face men today come from? Is it the media, the opposite sex, or themselves?

 

I think the media has a big part to play in influencining both men and women in regards to all sterotypes.  You always see big strong men, tradies coming home from work with the mothers already at home and guys with abs because that's what they want men to be.

 

I think women have a part to play in it too.  Not all women but some have high expectations and want a big, strong man that can do all the handiwork around the house and can bring home a decent pay.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:33 PM

I agree with you @copse

 

The media is a big source of it. I also think that early socialisation processes (which are also affected by media) play a huge role in funneling us into male/female stereotypes. Take for example the differences in play environments and toys for boys and girls!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:31 PM

Where do you think the pressures that face men today come from? Is it the media, the opposite sex, or themselves?

I think the media, as well as older males.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:35 PM

true @j95

 

growing up I definitely looked up to my dad and other older family members as role models. 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:34 PM

@j95 so true, I can see how much my brothers have been affected by dad especially, and even footy coaches and teachers. Do you think those relationships can also be useful though?

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:35 PM

@benjamin_ luckily the whole toys thing is being picked up like a whirlwind by mass media! times might be a-changing

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:38 PM

I think this because of my upbringing, Dad telling mr certain things i liked doing were "gay" and not manly.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:40 PM

sucks to hear that you had that experience @j95

 

I was fortunate enough to have parents who were quite accepting of me not being a typical dude but I have felt as though my dad was almost disappointed at times because I wasn't more like him. Whether that actually ever was the case or not, I don't think i'll ever know!