Gender Roles
What are gender roles?
Societal expectations for how people should behave based on their gender.
What should a man do when he feels joy?
Share that energy with your family and friends. Have fun, be silly, and be grateful for the joy while it lasts.
Men are better leaders than women.
Toxic. A good leader is whoever has the skills and experience to guide others in any particular area.
Director of the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture at the 2019 Oscars.
Ryan Coogler (Black Panther)
What is masculinity?
Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men and boys.
How should men handle conflict?
Try to talk it out. Be compassionate. Show grace. Practice discernment.
What should a man do when he feels angry?
Take a breath. Walk away. Come back to the problem when you feel more calm.
Men are just as emotional as women.
True. Emotion isn't determined by gender. Men are taught to suppress our emotions while women are usually taught to embrace them. We don't feel them less. We're just taught to ignore them more.
First Black U.S. Supreme Court justice
Thurgood Marshall
What is "toxic masculinity"?
A negative display of masculinity based off aggressive behavior, suppression of emotions, and obsession wiith control. Toxic masculinity can be harmful to one's self, and others around them.
When is it okay for a man to show his emotions?
Whenever he feels them.
What should a man do when he feels sad?
Talk to someone who will listen. Cry if you need to. Give yourself grace.
Men's #1 focus should be working hard and making money.
Toxic. Financial security IS important, but money doesn't equal a healthy/happy life. We should also prioritize spending quality time with friends and family. It's also important to give ourselves time to rest.
Influential Black American writer and activist who exposed racial injustice and identity through essays, novels, and speeches.
James Baldwin
What qualities are typically considered masculine?
Strength, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness.
What kind of clothing should men wear?
Whatever clothing makes them feel comfortable and confident.
What should a man do when he feels confused?
Ask questions and be open to new information.
Men should find their own meaning of masculinity.
True. We are taught that vulnerability is not "masculine", and that is a flawed belief that can lead to harm.
Ancient Egyptian architect, physician, and scholar; designer of the Step Pyramid and the earliest recorded engineer in history.
Imhotep
Should men have qualities that are typically considered "feminine"? (Nurturing, empathetic, vulnerable)
It's healthy to have balance of both masculine and feminine qualities.
What are some of the differences between boys and men?
Men are willing to hold themselves accountable, and open to learning from their mistakes
How should men express their emotions?
Be honest and vulnerable.
A man should have a high paying career, a house, and be married with kids by the time he's 30.
Toxic. Everyone is entitled to their own idea of what their life should look like. Housing is extremely expensive, jobs underpay their workers, and life partnerships shouldn't be rushed or forced on anyone.
14th-century emperor of Mali, considered one of the richest people in history and a major promoter of education and Islam in West Africa.
Mansa Musa
What if a man has more "feminine" qualities than "masculine" qualities?
Men are allowed to express themselves in whatever way feels true to who they are.