{"id":298,"date":"2026-07-02T08:39:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/?p=298"},"modified":"2026-07-03T06:45:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T05:45:29","slug":"the-need-for-promoting-healthy-masculinity-to-reduce-toxic-masculinity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/?p=298","title":{"rendered":"Why Society Should Promote Healthy Masculinity And Tame Toxic Masculinity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Divine Edward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last night, while partying with my friends at the club, we ordered drinks. While they ordered beers and other alcoholic beverages, I ordered a bottle of malt, my choice immediately drew laughter \u201cmen don\u2019t drink malt\u201d one of them said jokingly to me. This comment stayed with me long after the laughter had faded \u201c that should the  choice of a mans drink classify his masculinity?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What started as a casual discussion among friends turned into an deep conversation about the roles and social expectations of men in the society. We talked about the common saying  of men, like\u201d how men shouldn\u2019t cry\u201d, \u201cmen should always be strong\u201d and also that \u201c men shouldn\u2019t show any sign of weakness\u201d. While these qualities are related to courage, strength and responsibility they can also be negatively interpreted that a boy or a man shouldn\u2019t express any emotion.  As a result of this some boys or men grow up with a toxic idea of manhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exchange at the club, which arose from my choice  ordering a bottle of malt goes far beyond the choice of a mere drink. Since ancient times, men has always been seen as the pillar of leadership, bravery, courage and responsibility. While these qualities can  be seen as positive there are also some negative or harmful expectations the society expects from a man, like how \u201c they shouldn\u2019t express their emotions\u201d, \u201cask for help\u201d, \u201cor appear vulnerable\u201d. This harmful expectations are commonly associated with what we know as toxic masculinity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxic Masculinity Explain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explaining the concept, Pastor Andrew Aisabokhae, a group pastor of Christ Embassy Lagos Zone 3 defined toxic masculinity as the as the rigid, traditional cultural norms that pressure men to behave in ways that are ultimately harmful to themselves, women, and society.  He stated that \u201cThis type of behavior is not in agreement with God\u2019s word and a Christian should not be found engaging in such an act\u201d. He further explained, \u201c If you go through Scripture emphasis is laid on loving one another as Christ loved us. So if we claimed as Christians to be Christ-like we should just be that in it\u2019s totality\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Root Causes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the causes of toxic masculinity, Pastor Andrew gave a faith-based explanation, arguing that harmful ideas about manhood arise when men follow societal expectations instead of biblical principles. He said, \u201cEvery pastor has a God-given duty to provide spiritual direction, just as every father has a duty to rear and nurture his children.\u201d He also insisted, \u201cSociety should not define a man\u2019s character; God\u2019s Word must shape his values, attitudes, and behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From his cultural perspective, Chief Alexander Odili, connected toxic masculinity to some harmful cultural expectations that place crushing pressure on men to always appear tough, and hide their emotions. He stated that \u201c They are traditions that are only performed by men\u201d. He also further explained that \u201c even if a man is in pain he is expected bear the problem silently with some turning to school as a coping mechanism only expressing deep emotions such as crying during extreme situations like the death of a relative or friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, a Primary School teacher Mr. Tobi Clement Andy, identified early childhood socialization as a cause of toxic masculinity. While giving his education review, he observed that societal expectations often teach boys to appear strong, independent and emotional tough at a very young age. According to him, while confidence and responsibility are positive qualities, some boys may often feel pressured to hide their emo and avoid asking for help because they are scared to be seen as weak. He stated that this affects how they communicate and socialize with others and also coping with challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explaining further on the causes of toxic masculinity, Pastor Alaba said, \u201cToxic Masculinity is often from Child raising, how the child was raised from Their Parent\u201d. Attributing it, to the psychological concept of \u201cnature and nurture\u201d, he stated that a boys character is shaped by both inherited traits and environmental influence. According to him, when a boy is raised with an unhealthy idea of manhood, those beliefs can develop into a toxic form of masculinity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Undeniable Effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on the effects of toxic masculinity, a  government official, Mr Anthony Okeoghene Christian, the  Special Assistant to governor on students affairs, described the issue as a serious societal concern, noting that it creates real challenges for individuals, families, and communities. According to him, one of its major effects is on family relationships, where men who believe they should not discuss emotional matters often struggle with communication, leading to relationship difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further noted that toxic masculinity contributes to bullying in schools, particularly against students perceived as weak, affecting their emotional well-being and academic performance. In workplaces, he said it can reduce productivity because some employees are reluctant to ask for assistance. He also observed that many men avoid seeking mental health treatment, as social expectations of toughness discourage them from asking for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Anthony okeoghene, stressfully concur that there is a strong connection between toxic masculinity and issues such as domestic violence, bullying, crime, poor mental health, or gender discrimination. He noted that \u201cevery person who holds traditional views about gender will engage in harmful behavior\u201d .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a role as a father and the first son of his family, Mr. Ogaga Toka Kingsley, a father,  gave an elaborate discussion that being a man is a lot more than being able to impregnate a woman. According to him, \u201cbeing a man, is practically being able to provide and ensure the safety of your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More so, he noted that,\u201d The society places more pressure on men to always be strong and successful cause that\u2019s the only way they can keep their families and marriage intact\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking further, Mr.Ogaga admitted that such expectations often leave men feeling pressured to suppress their emotions. He explained that almost every man experiences moments of pressure, especially when he is unable to meet his own expectations or those imposed by society. According to him, many men choose to hide their emotions because of the belief that showing vulnerability is a blow to their pride or ego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promoting The Panacea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing similar views on the practical steps needed to raise boys with healthy values, Pastor Andy, and Teen Leader of Christ Embassy Lagos Zone 3 church, Ikechukwu David, emphasized the importance of intentional parenting, church guidance, and community support. Pastor Andrew stressed that fathers, churches, and communities should begin by recognizing the potential in every boy, encouraging them through responsibilities and leadership opportunities under proper guidance. Similarly, the Teen Leader noted that boys should be intentionally taught that true strength includes kindness, responsibility, respect, and emotional maturity. He added that fathers should lead by example, churches should teach biblical manhood, and communities should create environments where boys can ask questions, express themselves, and grow into men of character. As a way forward, Chief Alexander explained that the pressure on men to always appear tough and emotionally distant has affected both family life and community development. According to him, many men are expected to \u201cbear\u201d their problems in silence, leading some to suppress their emotions or turn to unhealthy coping habits such as alcohol. He noted that this weakens communication within families, reduces fathers\u2019 emotional involvement in their children\u2019s lives, and limits unity and cooperation in the community. To address these challenges, he called on traditional institutions, parents, and community leaders to lead by example by promoting humility, fairness, open communication, and respect. He added that while positive cultural values shouldbe preserved, harmful traditions that discourage emotional expression should be re-examined so boys can grow into responsible, emotionally healthy men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding his educational perspective, Mr. Tobi stressed that schools and families play a vital role in shaping children\u2019s attitudes and values. According to him, they can encourage open communication, teach emotional intelligence, and create environments where children feel safe expressing their feelings. He added that parents and teachers should model respect, kindness, responsibility, and healthy conflict resolution. He further explained, \u201cBy teaching boys and girls alike that emotions are normal and that mutual respect is essential in relationships, schools and families can help raise confident, compassionate, and emotionally healthy individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concluding with a father\u2019s perspective, Mr. Toka Ogaga stressed the importance of raising children with the right values. He said he teaches his children to be responsible for their actions, respect others, and remain disciplined. He also believes they should understand the value of money and learn how to earn, manage, and use it wisely. According to him, instilling these values from an early age helps children grow into responsible, confident, and emotionally mature adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The views shared by religious leaders, a traditional chief, an educator, a government official, and fathers from Delta and Lagos States show that toxic masculinity is a challenge that affects many communities. Although they approached the issue from different perspectives, they agreed that boys should be raised with values such as responsibility, respect, empathy, and emotional maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, the laughter over a bottle of malt was never really about the drink. It was a reflection of the expectations society places on men. Perhaps true masculinity is not about hiding emotions or proving toughness, but about living with integrity, showing compassion, and having the courage to be yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divine Edward is a 200 level student of Journalism and media studies at Delta State University Abraka. He can be reached via email : ew345745@gmail.com.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Divine Edward Last night, while partying with my friends at the club, we ordered drinks. While they ordered beers and other alcoholic beverages, I ordered a bottle of malt, my choice immediately drew laughter \u201cmen don\u2019t drink malt\u201d one of them said jokingly to me. This comment stayed with me long after the laughter […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"iawp_total_views":20,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[25,26,33,58,57,56,28],"class_list":["post-298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-viewspoint","tag-delsu","tag-education","tag-health","tag-masculinity","tag-toxic","tag-view-point","tag-wellness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=298"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/298\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":312,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/298\/revisions\/312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaconversation.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}