By Shepard Handy Shutkin Though we often associate men with crude acts of violence, we fail to acknowledge the fact that men are not born with the innate ability to throw a left hook to the jaw or a jab to the gut: they are taught. Since the beginning of mankind, men have been associated with violence. It seems to be the perfect time to reflect on the dangers of being a boy as for one of the first times, awareness towards toxic masculinity has become present in our society.
Adoption is the answer for almost every “why?” when discussing natural patterns of violence in young boys. Dr. Reichert, a Psychologist, set out to discover why growing up a boy is is more dangerous than a girl. “One researcher observed a small group of preschool boys and noticed how, over two years, they adapted to cultural cues. The ways they dressed, played and related to one another and to their parents changed significantly. They even formed a “Mean Team” to harass girls in their classroom. Another researcher interviewed elementary-school boys and captured their brutally frank stories of punishing other boys who failed to conform.” Boys often take their upsetting or hurtful experience from the world and internalize them. Failing to get comfort ultimately causes these boys to lash out and express themselves with violence and anger. “In the United States, 75 percent of deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds are of boys and young men. Males are more likely than females to die from injuries sustained in car accidents or falls, and from homicides. Especially when the risks of masculinity are compounded by racism and poverty, too many boys do not survive into manhood.” The problems of violence in boys are rooted from the societal norms of masculinity. This experiment correlates directly with my life as I am in the midst of becoming the man I will be in the future. Conforming to the societal norms of “being a man” will make me more reserved from talking about my feelings and will eventually cause me to lash out and release pent up anger. For those who are tired of the “dangers” being associated with boys, it is important to reflect on your own life. How may I have an influence on the people around me? Am I conscious of my emotions? The most important thing anyone can do to help young men grow up to be mentally stable is to listen to them. Hear their problems, their accomplishments, and realize that behind every boy is someone who holds him and believes in them. Links: Reichert, M. C. (2019, March 30). It's Dangerous to Be a Boy. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/opinion/sunday/boys-men-violence.html?rref=collection/timestopic/Psychology and Psychologists&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=25&pgtype=collection https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/opinion/sunday/boys-men-violence.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FPsychology%20and%20Psychologists&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=25&pgtype=collection https://www.google.com/search?q=toxic+masculinity&safe=strict&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS821US821&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=HfrdnuMqsfqTtM%253A%252CwNJbDslgZDU3iM%252C%252Fg%252F11c6018tqk&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTFKd4VxleYmiLfaG1qMQ0XQ9D5IQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiu38m7usPiAhXCdN8KHUWsC-EQ_h0wJHoECAsQDg#imgrc=UxNwn--rwgUPIM:&vet=1
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