***Sensitivity Warning: Mentions of rape and abuse.***
“Man up!” It seems like an innocent slang phrase; however, upon analyzing this seemingly harmless phrase, we realize some scary truths about our society; one of those truths being the presence of hypermasculinity. According to Collins Dictionary, hypermasculinity is defined as the “quality or exhibition of exaggerated masculine behavior or traits, especially strength and those of a violent, dominant or sexual nature.” Even though you may not know what it is, it is so perfectly integrated into our society that if you pay attention, you will see it. While some signs and effects of hypermasculinity are very obvious, there are some that are imperceptible, such as male rape and abuse.
In 2013, the National Crime Victimization Survey, conducted by the Bureau of Justice, questioned 40,000 households about rape and sexual violence and the survey revealed that in 38 percent of sexual assault cases, men were the victim. Additionally, a 2010 report from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states that one in 71 men in the United States have been raped. Experts say that the actual number is likely much higher due to the lack of sexual assault reports, especially for males. One reason that men hesitate to report their assault is due to hypermasculinity. It is too often thought that men cannot be raped; in fact, the definition of rape from 1927 up until 2012 was "the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.” Nowhere in the definition does it include men. Men are stereotypically thought to be a sex-driven gender; however, men can still be denied the right to their consent and therefore be raped. In many cases of male rape, the man becomes erect. This causes the man to believe the rape was his fault, but in most rape cases, no matter the gender, the victim becomes stimulated. It is the body's natural reaction, not a basis for consent. The misconception that men cannot be raped due to their “sexual nature” or the idea that they are able to fight back is an issue. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson argued in 2014 that “sexually assaulting a teenage boy is a victimless crime,” because, according to him, “Boys think any sexual contact is the ‘greatest thing ever.’” This ignorance is what spreads through and shapes our society's opinions. Hypermasculinity causes men to feel like they are not the victims.
Not only are men susceptible to sexual assault, they are also victims of domestic violence. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Summary Report states that "one in four men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime." Additionally, it makes known that one out of every seventh man in the United States has experienced severe physical assault by an intimate partner. The impact of this is important as well. One in 10 men in the United States have experienced sexual and/or physical assault and have reported at least one impact on their life because of it, such as being fearful, missing work/school and experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Hypermasculinity teaches men that they are not allowed to be hurt by things; they are taught to hide their feelings. The phrase “man up!” in essence means, “Repress all of your feelings and pretend to be the macho man you’re supposed to be!” Telling men that it is OK to be upset about things, even that it is OK to cry, is so important. Without it, men become disassociated with their emotions and lack the ability to handle themselves. Men who cannot channel their emotions after a sexual or physical assault may become depressed, or they may even commit the same crime committed against them.
Hypermasculinity is something that has found its way into our society. Male assault is an issue that needs to be discussed more frequently and openly. Men should be taught the same things about rape as women. We need to stop forcing the “macho man” stereotype upon young boys and men, and instead teach them how to handle their feelings in a healthy way and that is OK to not be “masculine” all the time. As a society, let’s replace the phrase “man up!” with more accepting and supportive phrases, such as, “I am here for you,” and “Are you OK? What can I do to help?”
Sources:
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "National Intimate Partner and
Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation."
(2010): 11-12. 2010. Web. 1 Aug. 2016.
