True Masculinity Isn’t Toxic

               It’s necessary.

              Masculinity needs to be welcomed back into today’s society. We often come across terms that try to define or categorize certain male behaviors in a negative light, but true understanding lies in appreciating that every trait, when exhibited with balance and understanding, becomes a strength.

              Masculinity, much like any other trait or characteristic, has its range. Often, behaviors such as aggression, competition, and dominance find themselves inaccurately labeled or generalized as ‘toxic masculinity.’ But the beauty of these traits lies in their potential to be transformative forces when channeled with precision and tempered with purpose. The real question we should ask is not whether these traits are good or bad, but rather how they can be used for the betterment of society.

Dr. Jordan Peterson’s insights about mastering our emotions and actions shed light on this perspective. When a man can channel his inner strength and determination to achieve a noble goal, he showcases the true essence of masculinity. Our modern world might not see lions, tigers, or bears scratching at our front doors, but there are yet challenges and dangers that require the protective, assertive, and leading aspects of masculinity.

              Imagine the brave men who rush into burning buildings to save lives, or those who stand between danger and the vulnerable. Consider the men who diligently work behind the scenes, ensuring our infrastructure remains working and intact. Think of those who serve in the armed forces, committed to laying down their lives for their nations, communities, families, brothers. Men go to work around the globe every day doing dangerous and difficult things, ensuring that we are safe and can carry on our lives as normal. And we take it for granted and call them toxic.

            “We need the iron qualities that go with true manhood. We need the positive virtues of resolution, of courage, of indomitable will, of power to do without shrinking the rough work that must always be done.”

              This quote, attributed to President Roosevelt, emphasizes the importance of the iron qualities inherent in true masculinity. Men are built to do hard things and masculinity is what makes a man hard enough to accomplish those things. When a man harnesses his inner strength and values, he becomes a pillar of support, a protector, and an inspiration for those around him. He stands not as an adversary; he serves as a guardian.

              In reality, there is no such thing as ‘toxic masculinity’ – there are just toxic men. We cannot afford to attack the traits that all men share simply because some men won’t or can’t master their iron qualities. Instead of condemning the intrinsic nature of men, we should emphasize the mastery of these traits. In a world where that happens, I think we’d see many more positive and able men serving their families and communities, capable of turning their monsters – in those rare and dire moments – on those men who cannot or will not control their own.