Guys, Are You Trapped In The “Man Box”?

The Man Box identifies the limitations on what a man is supposed to be and what he believes. These expectations are taught to men – sometimes unconsciously – and reinforced by society. Like the “kasi” guy that measures his worth by violence and name brand clothes. Most young prefer to abuse alcohol or commit suicide than seeking for help.

Men haven’t had the tools to express how they feel. Most young men are at risk of ending up in the ‘man box’, hemmed in by the believe that me should be unemotional, her-sexual, physical tough, stoic and in control. This has damaging causes, including suicidal thoughts, violence and dangerous driving.

What’s missing in our communities? We need responsible, healthy male role models to demonstrate positive behaviour and equip them with these emotional skills. It is important to have someone you look up to, that you want to try to be like, tap into that person. The sad news is, young men learn from each other as fathers are physically or emotionally absent.

Perhaps ’emotional literacy’ should be a subject at school to encourage young men to be communicative. Guys want to talk about what’s going on in their life, but don’t have the language or space to do it. The first solution is each individual [young men] to redefine what it mean to be a ‘man’ for themselves. Living up to the preconceived notions of being a man is a burden.

Break out of the ‘man box’ by making a u-turn and taking a path that serves you. Perhaps we all need to try being better human beings before – isn’t that a perfect first step?

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Salute

Anele@Manbox