Masculinity

Masculinity is a very complex mental stigma that exists in every man.  Masculinity can be defined as many different things but there is no denying the emotional toll that it has the power to take on someone.  The documentary "The mask you live in" displayed perfectly the effect of the pressure of masculinity.  From a young age, boys are constantly told to "be a man" which carries a traumatic emotional experience for many boys.  The documentary perfectly describes the unreasonable expectations that most boys fail to live up to.  In fact, when a boy does achieve one of the goals set for them, something else often impedes them from fully becoming a man.  One instance that caught my attention was a professional football player saying what he went through and still carried some baggage from the pressure he faced growing up.  Masculinity is very complex in how it is defined from person to person.  Many may say it means acting tough as in to not cry.  Others may say it means to be good at sports or to be athletic.  Some may also say it means to be kind and emotional.  I think all of these are right depending on your personality.  Being a man is just being yourself and doesn't matter how strong or smart you are.