Masculine of Millennial Men

Illustration (https://www.protiviti.com)

Modern masculinity is quite different with old day ones. Millennial men chose going to Yoga rather than fishing, and choosing a green juice rather than a beer. The young men, aged 18 to 29 were surveyed. The result showed that lees than 30% feel they are “completely masculine.”

However, 65%, more than twice that baby boomer generations feel they are “completely masculine.” Masculinity of older generation that men must not reveal their vulnerability, sensitivity and emotional feeling.

Reasons Change

Schroeder (2017), based on her interviewed with Alex Rodriguez, a TEDx speaker and influencer who has 100 Million online viewers, suggested 7 reasons younger men change their view of masculinity.

The reasons include younger generations should know themselves at personal level. This lead to own authentically; Millennial men are not threatened by increasing of women role in society; They do not like to look better than others by un-necessary competition; They shown who they are, inside and outside without shame; They show their courage by showing their vulnerability; The honor is commitment to themselves; and they always looking for new ways to grow.

Pro-active is keywords by attending educations for better future life. Joining groups either hobby or professional one are also important, especially to build network.

To be a Man

Based on film “The Mask You Live In” (Newsom, Congdon and Newsom, 2015) that young generations of America struggle to show who they are in the context of masculinity. There are many words to show what is mean to be masculine in America society, some of them are don’t cry, man up, grow some ball and be a man.

Unfortunately, the film showed that the ideal “old” way to be a man is damaging. To prove this, the film shows the experience of men from quite different background, where ideal of to be a man influenced their live.

The statistical data also provided by film. When they are growing up, the boys lose their “intimacy” to their peers, fathers, siblings, and even to other children. It is because “intimacy” is relate to the females, not males. Intimacy together with other characters such as compassion, and empathy are fundamental characters of health in human mentality.

Unluckily, adults (men) in America are disconnect with these important characters. Moreover, the film reveals that more than 3 boys commit suicide every single day. It is logical, because to be “masculine” boys are so depressing. Finally, the film showed the masculinity as define by American society (cultures) impacted negatively on boys and male, then, harming society. Thus, shift should be done for better future generations.     

References

Newsom , JS , Congdon, J (Producers) and Newsom , JS (director). 2015. The Mask You Live In.   Watched from Netflix.

Schroeder, J. 2017. 7 Reasons Why Millennial Men Are Reinventing Masculinity. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/julesschroeder/2017/10/12/the-evolved-man-7-reasons-why-millennial-men-are-reinventing-masculinity/#60e905df597c