The Silent Struggle-How men are taught to suppress their emotions

“The long-term pain suffered by suppressing emotions is far greater than the short-term pain of confronting them.”

From an early age, men are taught to suppress their emotions and feelings. They are told not to cry, to be strong and to act as a pillar of support for their families. This societal pressure to conform to traditional masculine ideals often leads men to hide their true selves, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

The taboos associated with men are deeply ingrained in our society. Men are expected to be tough and unemotional, to hide their vulnerabilities and not to show any signs of weakness. This expectation is reinforced by parents, peers, society and the media. Boys are often discouraged from expressing their feelings, leading to a culture where emotional expression is considered taboo for men.

This pressure to be tough and unemotional often leads to a culture of male chauvinism, where instead of being a companion, men are perceived as superior to women. Men who express their emotions are often seen as weak, while women who do the same are seen as strong. This has created a divide between the sexes, leading to a culture where men are expected to be breadwinners and providers, while women are expected to be caregivers and nurturers.

This societal pressure has led to a parenting style that focuses on making boys “tough.” Boys are often encouraged to participate in sports or other physically demanding activities, as a way to toughen them up. They are taught not to cry or show any signs of weakness, as this is seen as a sign of vulnerability. This parenting style leads to men who are emotionally repressed, unable to communicate their feelings, and who often suffer from anxiety and depression.

The societal pressure on men to be unemotional and tough has also led to a culture of male ego and insensitivity. Men who feel they are not meeting societal expectations of masculinity may become aggressive or violent, leading to a culture where masculinity is associated with power and dominance. This has led to a culture where men are expected to be emotionless, money-making machines, who are insensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

In conclusion, the tender nature of men is often hidden behind societal expectations of masculinity. Men are taught not to express their emotions, leading to a culture of male chauvinism, ego, and insensitivity. It is time to break the taboos associated with men and encourage them to express their emotions and vulnerabilities. This will create a society where men are valued for who they are, rather than who they are expected to be. Parents should also be encouraged to adopt a more open and inclusive parenting style that allows boys to express their emotions and become well-rounded individuals.

Remember;

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more ‘manhood’ to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.”

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siddiqui.aaisha1982@gmail.com