Sameer HusseinGetty Images
“A man’s heart is much like the sea; it has its storms, it has its tides, and in the depths it also has its pearls,” the painter Vincent van Gogh was once said to have said. But what does it mean to be a man? Physiologically, we are quickly attached to a trunk (small) between your legs. Just that’s very simple. Wikipedia explains masculinity as follows: “Masculinity, or masculinity, is the set of traits, behaviors, and roles associated with men, which are determined partly biologically and partly culturally.” Thus masculinity is what we make of ourselves. The movie Barbie (2023) It proves: that manhood is on the move.
What is “being a man” anyway?
In our society, we quickly associate masculinity with strength, power, and independence. Hence it is not Tough and strong Alternate where you show your emotions. Research conducted by Movember found that 58% of men surveyed believe that society expects them to be emotionally strong, show no weakness, and be able to make things right. Dangerous mentality as we wrote before. It is worth noting that the same study found that 76% of men believe that speaking has a positive effect on mental health. Therefore, men know what works for them, but they often do not dare to do so because of social frameworks.
This is where the Barbie movie comes into the picture. Not just a movie for women. Especially for men. For example, Ken didn’t know who he was until he let out his emotions, thought about who or what he really wanted to be and showed it with his T-shirt: “I am Kenoff”. Like men, there is pressure not to show weakness. But having feelings — and showing them — is not a weakness. And you are certainly not the only one who has such feelings. Singer Joshua Nollette once told us, “You are not alone, everyone has moments of struggle.”
Masculinity in motion
I think manhood is changing in a positive way. It seems that a new generation of men is emerging with the goal of preserving the best elements of masculinity, leaving the negative aspects behind and overcoming pressures to conform. Still feeling a little bit attacked by the Barbie movie? So here’s exactly why to watch: Three reasons why every bundle of muscle should watch a Barbie movie.
It doesn’t mean that as a man you should always wear nail polish, earrings, and crop tops. But this is allowed. It’s possible. Just like this, you can let your emotions run wild and not always have to have strong shoulders, without going crazy about it. There will be times when society, the media, and maybe even those close to you will try to tell you what masculinity is or what you should be. But as long as you improve yourself and the lives of those around you, manhood can look just the way you want it to be. Kane, or not Kane.
Have a nice start to the week!
Best Regards,
Martin de Young
Digital content manager
