By: Wayne Campbell
November 23, 2021
“Black men struggle with masculinity so much. The idea that we must always be strong really presses us all down, it keeps us from growing.”- Donald Glover
Discussions surrounding men and manhood are usually rooted in a negative space. The issues men experience are usually not given much attention and space. Perhaps this is of our own doing since masculinity and maleness are clothed in a rough and tough exterior. As a society we should not disregard the concerns impacting and affecting men. We ought to take every opportunity to improve the relationship between both sexes, instead of perpetuating a climate of gender inequality. Men’s issues are real and must be deliberated in a safe space. These issues include masculinity; manhood; health; including mental health; paternity leave; and boys’ under-performance in the education system; gender-based violence; crime and violence, the feminization of the education system; and improving the relations between sexes. Unfortunately, there are those who still question why do we need International Men’s Day (IMD) given that we live in a patriarchal world. However, International Men’s Day provides us with a great platform to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and other issues. The day also affords us the space to promote positive expressions of masculinity; highlight the importance of positive male role models for our boys and promoting gender equality. International Men’s Day should be an occasion for inclusiveness. It’s also an opportunity to recognize men who do not fall into traditional manifestations of masculinity. On November 19 the global community pauses to celebrate men. The IMD is celebrated in over 80 countries, including the United States of America, Canada, U.K., Singapore, Australia, India, South Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Hungary, Malta, Ghana and Moldova.
The theme for 2021 is “Better relations between men and women”, and the aim is to highlight the positive values men bring to the world, their families and communities. Focus will be placed on six main areas- promoting positive male role models; celebrating men’s positive contributions; focusing on men’s health and well-being; improving gender relations and creating a safer, better world. This year IMD will rely heavily on various social media platforms to engage the public and disseminate information, given the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic and the social and physical distancing that must be observed. Undoubtedly, there will be webinars, virtual conferences and campaigns.
Gender Socialization
Perhaps the time is now to have a conversation surrounding what masculinity is. The construction of a (Jamaican) masculinity is more than rigidity of the phallus. This message is difficult to get across in the Jamaican space. One just has to listen to the lyrics of the popular deejays with their skewed perception of masculinity and manhood. A society that does not appreciate and highlight positive male role models runs the risk of retreating into a state of disorder, embedded in a sea of toxic masculinity which inevitably will erode good family life.
Societies need to widen the discourse surrounding men’s issues in order to achieve better relations between men and women. At times the conversation regarding men’s issues seems too academic; tucked away in a privileged space. The dialogue, however must involve the narratives of more men; from the man who wipes the car windscreen at the intersection, to the university professor; from the farmer in the rural area to the male who lives in the inner-city. There must be a realization that multiple masculinities exist and that the input of a cross section of males is critical in order for the State to create policies, programmes and plans necessary to address issues affecting men. Unfortunately, the only time the spotlight is focused on men occurs at the crime scene. Indisputably, men are the perpetrators of most crime. However, in order to address this, more private-public social investment must occur, especially in marginalized communities where men are at risk. Sadly, the education system continues to fail our males as the issues of male under-achievement and under presentation continue to plague the global education system community.
The Way Forward
When we think of gender equality, immediately, the discourse shifts to the protection and the promotion of women’s rights. This attitude reflects the inequality of gender in our thoughts and beliefs and is therefore problematic. Boys in particular require positive male role models in order for them to excel in their academic pursuits. As males, let us celebrate International Men’s Day in a paradigm of collective masculinity, while acknowledging the existence of multiple masculinities. The time is now for men to recommit and pledge their support in the campaign to improve gender relations in the society. Globally, men should be encouraged to continue playing their positive roles in their families, communities and in nation building and development.
In the powerful words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
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