How Masculinity Affects Our Everyday Lives, Part II | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How Masculinity Affects Our Everyday Lives, Part II

Catcalling to instill fear and assert dominance? Bad. Complimenting to show support? Good.

29
How Masculinity Affects Our Everyday Lives, Part II
Pixnio public domain

Last week, I wrote about toxic masculinity and my experience with that in an encounter involving a handshake. I would like to explore this even further and look at how else toxic masculinity works its way into our lives.

In particular, I am thinking of catcalling. Now, this is something that I do not see happening as much, but I am aware that it is a larger problem in bigger cities. I have had some thoughts about how catcalling is bad, but when I, a woman, compliment another woman, that is seen as something that is nice and pure, rather than harmful. Is this simply because I am a woman? Is it because I possess no threat to the safety to the other? Does it have to do with the way in which I phrase the compliment?

Catcalling is defined as being sexual in nature, so is that where the difference is? But in a world where women are openly allowed to be in relationships with women, one cannot assume that a women complimenting another women is inherently heterosexual.

When I compliment women, it is because of a few reasons. First, they either look nice or did something nice, and I believe that they deserve recognition for that. Second, as a women, I know how nice it is to be complimented by other women. When men compliment women, it is because they want to make that woman feel uncomfortable, they want to sleep with that woman, or they want to assert their dominance over that woman. Men feed off of the power that is given to them by making a woman feel scared or uncomfortable. Last week I talked about how toxic masculinity causes a world where men feel the need to assert their dominance, to be the Alpha Male. Alpha Males are considered to be a good thing by our society.

Now, not all males give in to toxic masculinity and aggressive dominance, but enough do to make the world a scary place. As a society, as people, we should be working to change this. We should be making efforts to make the world a safe place for others. People should not feel frightened to exist. It is up to women to help others feel safe. Compliment each other, show love and compassion. Call out people who use fear to acquire what they want. Do not let people get away with scare tactics.

And men, it is up to you to make an active effort towards positive compliments. Tell a woman that her dress is pretty rather than saying you would like to see it on your bedroom floor. It too, perhaps more so than for women, is up to you to call out those who are skeevy and aggressive in their compliments. Call out those who are blatantly catcalling women, with no pretense of it being a compliment. This will not get better if we do not make an effort to make it better.

So, go out into the world and make a difference. Spread love. Destroy hate and fear. Be a good person, and the world will be good to you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198399
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19764
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461561
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28692
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments