The fragility of masculinity
“Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It’s not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.” -Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind
I was taught to be tough, strong and to never admit defeat. When we fight, we fight other men and indeed not our inner demons — because real men don’t have these issues. Above all this, it was unmanly to be sick. This was especially so with anything other than a mild cold because any admission of being sick will cast doubt on his manhood, health, masculinity, and capacity to support his family. After all, real men are the breadwinners…right?
The military only perpetuates the stereotype that real men who work in dangerous occupations are not sensitive or vulnerable, and never go to sick-call. I know, I lived this for over 20 years. Still, men are less likely to visit the doctor or any other health care professional than women.
The irony is that those “Real Men” who drink, smoke, and work in dangerous occupations are less likely to have health insurance and preventative medical care. Combined with men in general who make up a majority of the workforce, they put…