Caitlin Moran asked about the downsides of being a man and men opened up – 19 revealing responses
We frequently see the effects of the bad attitude of certain parts of society towards women, which is why the #metoo movement exists – we also hear reports on the gender pay gap and the bias against women who take a career break, as opposed to men who do the same. For these and so many other reasons, the downsides of being female have been well documented, so writer Caitlin Moran asked a different question.
Men. Men of Twitter. What are the down-sides of being a man? We discuss the downsides of being a woman very frequently – but what's going on with you lovely guys?
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) October 18, 2018
The replies may surprise even some men. We think these 19 are very much worth reading and they represent some key recurring themes.
Having to maintain a tough image cropped up a lot.
Toxic masculinity. The fact that I am deemed “less than” other men for what I like, in who I love, in what I find enjoyment in; the fact I’m not allowed to cry because that shows I’m “weak”; that men aren’t “supposed” to be emotional because that’s what makes them “strong” https://t.co/XlpyebqHg5
— SCOTT LARISH (@dubbawide) October 19, 2018
The belief that we must maintain a stoic presentation even when we are literally eating ourselves alive from depression, anxiety and stress (see peptic ulcers & suicide risk). https://t.co/nBWcaIhob7
— Bryan Harnsberger Psy.D (@PSYCH_HYPE) October 18, 2018
Young boys are often told they can’t show feelings if they want to be a “man”.
We then live a life of fear, trying to be something we aren’t.. machines. Such inner tension causes our collective heart to break, & in a long ass rage of confusion, we take it out on everyone else. https://t.co/4jD32T8JZe
— Keiynan Lonsdale 🌈 (@KeiynanLonsdale) October 18, 2018
Physical problems were an issue.
Getting your willy caught in the zip. It’s hell. https://t.co/wHKU1AMRc0
— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) October 18, 2018
peeing with a boner https://t.co/Fdu7JomTNv
— niggler (@spaceworldpichu) October 18, 2018
For one, let's just say women aren't the only ones who have body image issues.
I've struggled with my weight for quite some time, because of this constant talk that men are expected to have a certain body shape to be considered acceptable (six pack, e.g.)
— Nick – WLU 4-3 – UK 5-1 (@plainwildcatfan) October 18, 2018
Some felt an inequality of expectation.
There's a stereotype where men can be wastes of space and women cannot – how many young women do you see getting called losers, deadbeats, under-achievers? A man who's unemployed living at home at 25 is viewed far more negatively than a woman in the exact same situation. https://t.co/6zVajtwruA
— Dylan Curran (@iamdylancurran) October 18, 2018
but there is a disjoint in that noone argues for equality at the bottom; just the top. These are all real issues society should be concerned with. but men lack an equivalent advocacy group which isnt dismissed- in part due to the past.
— John Bailey #FBPE (@elbapo) October 18, 2018
The traditional expectation for men to make the first move. Masking the fear of approaching and putting on a good natured face if you're rejected. pic.twitter.com/Dl1MucRz4Q
— Karl Cramer (@karlcramer) October 19, 2018
Trivial in the grand scheme, but men’s ideas on interior decoration in a shared house can be a tough sell to female partners!
More seriously it’s less acceptable for men to take Paternity leave for a duration comparable to anything like Maternity leave.
— Ian Collins (@IpCollins) October 18, 2018
