Toxic Masculinity and Consumption
"A boy, not a man"
Description
Présentation factuelle du sujet
The Toxic Masculinity refers to a set of culturally and attitudes where virility is associated with domination, emotional suppression, and aggressive competition. Within the context of customer society, this phenomenon manifests itself in the sale of "Red Pill" or "Alpha Male" training programs, purchase of luxury goods such as cars or watches and other to demonstrate superiority.
In my circle, some friends spend excessive amounts of money on designer clothes and training to "prove" their worth. One of them confessed: "If I don't have a Rolex, I feel inferior to other guys." This pressure creates a vicious cycle.
Interpretation
Analyse et compréhension des phénomènes
Why this link between masculinity and consumerism?
- Fear Marketing: "You are not a real man if you don't have this 4x4" (ex: Jeep ads)
- Commodity Fetishism (Karl Marx): The product embodies a magic power, wear a Rolex = to become "the alpha"
Putting others down to feel superior, or giving in to anger impulsiveness during a confrontation, is being a boy not a man. A man doesn't need to crush others or buy himself an identity. Strength lies in self-knowledge and self-control, empathy and self-confidence. The need for validation is simply evidence of a wounded ego.
Underlying theories:
- Fake Masculinity Hegemony: The Society shows a noisy masculinity because it's the most viral
- Emotional capitalism (Eva Illouz): Brands monetize identity insecurities
Evaluation
Jugement critique et implications
Key points of this topic:
- It reveals the hidden mechanisms of gendered marketing: 76% of advertisements for "masculine" products use stereotypes of dominance (Kantar study, 2021)
- It sheds light on the health emergency: Men who adhere to these norms are twice as likely to suffer from depression (American Psychological Association)
Limitations and criticisms:
- Overgeneralization: Some "masculine" consumptions (e.g., sports cars) are not toxic if dissociated from ego
- Lack of alternative role models: Nowadays, only two types of men are presented, the toxic man or the degenerate man. This lack of a true masculine role model for young men pushes them to choose one extreme or the other to forge their identity
The current analysis often remains simplistic. In reality, young people like my friends are subjected to pressure from supposed expectations of girls and from social media that showcases people who know where they're going and succeed at everything they undertake. In such a context, without philosophical reflection to reflect on oneself, it's difficult not to take this simplistic path.
Plan
Actions futures et recommandations
How to transform this awareness into action?
Practice Karate or other martial arts
This art offers those who practice it the opportunity and the tools to discover themselves. It teaches them a philosophy of perseverance. And one discovers that the best in their art are never aggressive because they have nothing to prove. For me, it's the best school of life.
Learning to self-question
From childhood, we must learn to question ourselves: Why am I jealous of my friend? Why do I feel inferior? What do I want to become? Why am I afraid of failure when it doesn't kill me? These are all questions that everyone should answer in order to move forward and be at peace with themselves.
On my own scale, I want to embody a peaceful masculinity: not needing to consume to have confidence in myself, and creating spaces where boys (and girls) can confront their weaknesses and overcome them to become who they want to become.