Article content

Is masculinity a problem to be overcome?

That’s what you might believe after hearing what some academics and filmmakers are claiming about the character traits of most men.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Douglas Todd: Is masculinity a problem to be overcome? Back to video

The documentary, The Mask You Live In, which was recently shown at a forum on men’s issues at the University of B.C., pictures masculinity as the driving force behind virtually all that is wrong with North American culture.

“Be a man!” “Don’t be a girl!” “Stop crying!” “What a fag.” “Grow some balls!” “Don’t let a woman run your life.” “Get laid.” “Stop with the emotions!”

These male rebukes are spat out at the beginning of The Mask You Live In. They’re part of the catalogue of stereotypical admonitions that the filmmakers claim compose the hidden social rules that forge the grim “mask” of masculinity.

The documentary argues these values cause widespread violence, abuse, addiction, crime and war — and it implies they need to be replaced by more feminine values, such as those related to sharing feelings, empathy, co-operating and nurturing.