What is Positive Masculinity?
Positive masculinity is a way of being that encourages respect for oneself and for others, regardless of gender. It is about understanding the importance of equality and treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect — no matter their gender identity or expression.
It involves fostering healthy relationships with others, understanding the range of emotions and feelings that come with being human, and respecting the autonomy of each individual. It is about celebrating one another’s unique strengths, embracing differences and being mindful of one’s own impact. Becoming more aware of positive masculinity can help create healthier and more equitable relationships with those around us.
Examples of Positive Masculinity
Positive masculinity involves respecting other people’s beliefs, opinions and rights. If you’re a man, for example, you should be able to disagree with someone else’s opinion without disrespecting them. It’s important to recognize that we all have different perspectives, and being able to accept and learn from other people’s perspectives is a key part of positive masculinity.
It’s also important to champion equality between genders.
Men should be acknowledging and supporting women’s rights to be equal in every aspect of society. That means speaking out for women’s rights and advocating for equal pay, equal access to education and other forms of equality. Positive masculinity also requires having healthy relationships with people of all genders. That means being able to communicate openly, honestly and respectfully, without any kind of unhealthy or toxic behaviour.
Respect for Others
Respecting others is key to showing positive masculinity. This means making sure everyone around you feels safe, heard and valued.
Start by listening to people when they talk, and acknowledging their opinions. Make sure to treat people with dignity and respect regardless of gender, race, sexuality or any other factor.
When it comes to interacting with the people around you, don’t assume you know what’s best for them or what they should do – you should always give them the freedom to make their own decisions. Show people that you care, and be open to learning more about their experiences. Another important aspect of respecting others is avoiding judgement.
Don’t assume that you know someone’s story before you hear it, and be conscious of the language you use.
Showing respect is about being conscious of the feelings of others and making sure that everyone is being treated fairly. Showing respect is also about focusing on the positive aspects of those around you and celebrating differences. Always think before you speak, and make sure that your words are not offensive or hurtful.
Equality
Equality should be at the forefront of positive masculinity. Men should be striving to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or any other factor, is treated equally and respected.
This means recognizing that everyone deserves the same opportunities and basic human rights. We should be encouraging a society of people who can work together, share resources, and create a more unified world. Equality must be practiced both in our everyday lives as well as in our relationships.
Men should be aware of their own biases and strive to recognize and discard them. Taking the time to listen to others, even if it means challenging our own beliefs, is integral to fostering a society of true equality. Acknowledging the unique experiences of others can be a powerful tool in gaining a better understanding of the world around us.
Healthy Relationships
Developing healthy relationships is an important part of positive masculinity. Respect for yourself and others goes a long way in allowing these relationships to form.
When interacting with others, always remember to be respectful and to treat them as equals. Listen carefully to what they have to say and use your words to communicate honestly and kindly.
Respect their decisions and boundaries, and remember that it is okay to disagree. Speak up when you think something is wrong or if someone is acting disrespectfully.
It is also important to be mindful of how you express your feelings and emotions. Be honest and open about how you feel, but also be aware of how your emotions can affect the people around you.
Avoid lashing out when you are angry or frustrated. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few moments to step away and calm down before speaking with someone else.
Practice self-care. Positive masculinity is about taking care of yourself and others, so be sure to take time to actively engage in activities that bring you joy. Spend time with friends and family, explore your interests, and find ways to relax. Doing so will help to ensure that your relationships are meaningful and healthy.