Happy International Men’s Day! This year’s theme is “making a difference for men and boys.”
There is an International Men’s Day website, but it’s down at the moment, presumably because of too much traffic. However, based on Google’s cached version:
“International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.”
As a feminist, I could argue that every day is men’s day. However, I believe that feminism makes all of us better, and we need men on board for that. To get men on board, we need them to recognize the problems with traditional patriarchal power structures and beliefs around gender roles.
So on International Men’s Day, I hope that men and boys will feel empowered to be themselves and express their health and other needs, without being constrained by toxic masculinity.
We need to teach our boys that there is a better way. Certainly when it comes to mental health, we need to teach our boys that it’s okay to express emotion and seek out help. We need our boys to grow up to respect themselves and to respect women as equals. That will help us all prosper.
There’s more on social issues on the Social Justice & Equality page.
🙂 Oh, shame on me. I didn’t know that today was, “International Men’s Day”. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, Ashleyleia.
🙂
I had no idea there was an International Men’s Day
Isn’t every day men’s day? 🙄
Oops you said that, my bad!
Lol
But I thouhgt it was International Toilet Day, I’m confused. But I’m all for the message!
I guess there are just too many days to not have any overlap!
🙂 still important issues!
As an international man, I’m really not sure we need a day of recognition.
The toilets are probably more necessary.
As a person who has wee-wee’d on four continents, I agree.
Lol
Had no idea there was such a thing, or that we require a special day to do what we (men) naturally do as fathers, uncles, etc. I support “Don’t Be A Misogynistic Bastard Day” … 365/24/7.
Now there’s a day we can all stand behind!
I hate how boys are socialized to not express their emotions! That needs to change! It’s okay to cry and be sad! Here’s to the males of our society!
Yes, emotions are good! Let ’em out!
No argument from me. This is definitely something that men have to teach young boys.
Speak up and share when they are not feeling right, to be a macho man is not what growing up to be an adult is all about. Men’s health should be at the top of the list like breast cancer.
Excellent information!!
🙂
I had no idea about this day. Learned something new!!!
I just found out about it this morning on Twitter.
Happy Men’s Day!
🙂
it’s International Absurdity Day tomorrow.
Lol
Interesting, l never knew there was such a day, learn something new everyday.
I know, right?!
I know, excellent heads up though.
I really hate that it’s frowned on that men can’t show their emotions. Always having to put on a brave face. Men you are not alone!! Emotions are good and let them all out !!!
Absolutely! Trying to repress emotions is so damaging.
I didn’t know there was such a day! I do believe feminism involves boys and men unlearning toxic masculinity and patriarchy.
For sure.