What is toxic masculinity? That’s a term describing conduct associated with harmful male behavior such as a need for dominance and aggression. How can you recognize a toxic man? He will display some or all of the following qualities:
- This type of man has unreasonably high sense of self-importance and requires constant, excessive admiration.
- He will feel that he deserves privileges and special treatment.
- He expects to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
- He will exaggerate his achievements and talents and make them seem bigger than they are.
- He will have a need for dominance and an expectation of unearned loyalty and respect.
- He will use manipulative tactics to control others and have a tendency to disregard others’ needs and perspectives.
- He will have an inclination towards physical or verbal aggression, which is another tactic used to control.
- He will show an inability to handle criticism and be emotionally unavailable.
What are the effects of toxic masculinity on society? *Increase in domestic abuse *Gender-based violence *Gun violence *Homophobia *Misogyny *Rape culture *Sexual assault
So, why am I bringing up this subject? Because earlier this week, I learned that there is a substantial group of men in our government, who were elected to represent the needs and wishes of all people, but who are, in fact, pursuing an agenda to terminate women’s rights and protections. When the reauthorization for the Violence Against Women Act came before Congress, 172 Republicans opposed reauthorizing this act. Even the president, downplayed domestic violence as not being a criminal act.
It is clear by now that there is an agenda in play to rob women of their civil rights and protections under the law. We need to educate ourselves as to what these men in power are doing and protest this horrendous behavior. As a young woman, I was there when women all over this country marched in protest to get equality for women. What has this country come to, that men think they can rob us of freedom and get away with it?
Thirty three Republicans joined the Democrats to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Thank goodness not every man in government has prostituted himself to follow this insane agenda. Is it any wonder that more and more women are choosing to opt out of relationships? Why would any man think that women in this day and age would agree to being treated as a servant and baby-making machine? It’s total insanity.
Seek help if you are in a toxic relationship, as violence seems to follow this type of behavior. And violence isn’t always physical. The damage verbal and emotional abuse causes can be just as destructive as the physical. Reach out for help, if you need it. The helpline for domestic violence is 800-838-8238 or text 804-793-9999.
And when it comes election time again, use your vote to get those toxic men out of our government! We need true representation, not old men who think they need to put women in their place.