What is Masculinity?

E.O. Milne

For generations the word masculinity has meant how strong a man is, it has been thought to mean how hard someone can throw a punch or how intimidating a male can be to another. 

Many males have even thought for years that it is a prerequisite to attractiveness for them to be strong, and that if they can injure another opponent, it would make them well liked by all. But for years, we have been using the word masculinity wrong.

The definition of the word is:

‘The attributes of a man that are regarded as his characteristics’

This definition has nothing to do with someone’s physique – someone’s physical appearance is an attribute to them – but it is not what should solely be represented by the word. Older generations have made this stereotypical image of the word and have engraved it into our brains almost telling us that this is what a man should be. 

However, I wish to suggest masculinity is much more than how strong a man appears. True masculinity is that it is not about what you look like on the outside but what you are on the inside. A good man is not someone who can lift a large amount of weight but someone that is surrounded by people who want to be around him not only for his appearance; whether that be funny, or charismatic, or caring to all. It is the emotional attributes that shape a good man and that is not how it is being told. 

Gen Z needs to change what the word ‘masculinity’ represents. We need to get rid of its intimidating feel every time it is said. Because it is not meant to be intimidating and we do not want to frighten people.

Men should be humble, sweet, and also free to do what makes them happy without being judged by their ‘masculinity’. If that means a man wants to wear makeup, a dress, or do ballet, then that is okay, because if he feels that is what brings him the joy to be a better person in this world then there is nothing wrong with that.

In 30 years when someone says ‘that man is very masculine’ it should not be only about the way that he goes to the gym three times a week but also that he is respected in his workplace and that he treats his partner well. That is what a true man is.

That is what masculinity actually means.