toxic masculinity

A yellow boy stares down a pipeline with an innocent smile on his face, eager to explore; the pipeline looks old, and grey, and rusty, the phrase "alt-right" looking almost scratched into the metal. The sun looks down with a concerned face from a clear blue sky, as white clouds give way to a dark storm front.

Alt-Right Algorithms

Vera Pavlovich, Loyola University Maryland

Despite the decrease in popularity of the original alt-right YouTube influencers, the alt-right pipeline is still alive and thriving.…

May 28, 2024

The “Hot Girlfriend, Ugly Boyfriend” Phenomenon

Kimberly Vazquez, Columbia College Chicago

While many accuse women of yearning for male validation, it is usually other men who seek it the most. …

September 22, 2023

in article about giovanni's room, illustration of hands holding a glowing box

James Baldwin’s ‘Giovanni’s Room’ Is a Must-Read for Young Adults

Alexander Landgraf, The University of Chicago

This classic novel interweaves the ambivalence of sexuality and the intricacies of love in a way that remains relevant to readers today. …

December 7, 2022

In an article about Andrew Tate, an illustration of him

Inside Andrew Tate’s Empire and His Audience of Young Men

Saba Bazzi, Wayne State University

He succeeded at captivating a fringe group of wannabe alpha-males — the question is, how?…

August 31, 2022

A drawing shows a bullet train winding around a pink mountain

‘Bullet Train’ Offers Something Novel But Fails To Follow Through

Alina Edwards, Wellesley College

Brad Pitt’s bloody action comedy proposes a new kind of hero but is bogged down by a predictable plot. Still, one thing’s for sure: This train ride will keep you glued to your seat.…

August 19, 2022

In an article about R&B music, an illustration of a microphone.

Is Contemporary R&B Becoming Too Toxic?

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

While recent releases may be following larger trends, the music also reveals something interesting about a genre defined by love songs.…

August 14, 2022

an illustration of the bachelor contestants

‘The Bachelor’ Franchise Has Made Changes, but Not the Ones That Matter

Virginia Beall, Elon University

Time and time again, the franchise has proven that it cannot change its toxic, white, heterosexual and Christian messaging.…

August 8, 2022

toxic behavior in a friend group where you have to pretend you like how they treat you

What Are Toxic Behaviors and How Are They Normalized?

Amandine Shadia, The University of Arizona Global Campus

It is important to recognize when the people around you are not treating you right. These are some red flags to look for.…

March 22, 2022

dance in article about masculine and female energy

Understanding Feminine and Masculine Energy

Michael Slade, University of Texas at San Antonio

If you want to find true balance in your life, it is important to find balance within yourself.…

March 17, 2022

An illustration of two people breaking through doors, each of which are meant to represent a gender and its norms that are being broken.

The Idea of the ‘Alpha Male’ Is Rife With Contradictions

Jake Sanders, Rhodes College

Gendered constraints have only become tighter for men since the ideology was introduced, and many are arguing for its end due to the damage it causes to self-perception.…

November 7, 2021

A photo of some of the contestants on "Where Are We Going, Dad?" for an article about Asian toxic masculinity. (Image via Google Images)

‘Where Are We Going, Dad?’ Reveals the Expectations for East Asian Family Men

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

Toxic masculinity and the importance of filial piety in Chinese families are put on display in this popular reality TV series.…

April 22, 2021

An illustration of famous K-pop group, BTS

BTS Blurs the Lines Between ‘Femininity’ and ‘Masculinity’

Karen Lu, Yale University

The K-pop group presents an image that breaks away from traditional gender norms and propels us into a new era of self-love and acceptance.…

March 18, 2021

An illustration of Tom Ellen working on his novel, 'All About Us."

‘All About Us’ Is a Romance Novel Written by Gasp a Man

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The romance genre has mostly been composed of female writers who cater to women. But today I’m here to recommend a novel by a male writer that is catered to … well, everyone.…

February 6, 2021

Men; toxic masculinity; maid costume, (Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash)

The Maid Costume TikTok Trend Makes Room To Discuss Toxic Masculinity

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Is the newest social media fad a role-defying gender transgression or just another reinforcement of machismo?…

December 4, 2020

An illustration of Harry Styles in a dress for an article about his appearance in Vouge.

Harry Styles, Vogue and That Ballgown: The Genesis of Men’s Genderfluid Fashion

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Even though genderfluid men’s fashion feels groundbreaking, it’s been around for quite a while.…

November 29, 2020

The Weeknd Provides a Case Study in Toxic Masculinity

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

Some want us to separate the art from the artist, but that doesn't remove the sexism, misogyny, toxicity and depraved messages about love, sex, drugs and women present in his work.…

November 12, 2020

Selling Sunset. (Illustration by Eri Iguchi, Minneapolis College of Art and Design)

What Is ‘Selling Sunset’ Really Selling?

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This Netflix reality TV show focuses on the lives of West Coast real estate agents, but the social issues buried within it are anything but glamorous.…

October 29, 2020

An image for an article about simp culture. Illustrated by Adam Lee.

How the Term ‘Simp’ Reinforces Toxic Masculinity and Objectifies Women

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

This slang term criticizes men who are nice to their partners instead of being more 'dominant.' It needs to stop for the sake of healthy relationships.…

October 11, 2020

Male Short Shorts Have Made a Comeback With the Five-Inch Inseam

Brian Xi, University of California, Berkeley

Many men are afraid showing more skin will cause their masculinity to take a hit, but short shorts are sending toxic masculinity out the window.…

August 31, 2020

Image of the Dolan twins sitting on a couch

The Dolan Twins Are Redefining Masculinity for Their Gen Z Audience

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

These influencers are breaking down typical male stereotypes by exhibiting vulnerability on their popular YouTube channel and podcast.…

August 27, 2020

women in pink skirts holding hands; toxic femininity

Just Like Toxic Masculinity, Toxic Femininity Is a Threat to Gender Equality

Ailun Shi, UC Berkeley

Everyone has heard of toxic masculinity's pressure on men to conform. But this trend can be just as damaging to women.…

July 29, 2020

Season 4 of ‘Insecure’ Is an Emotional Rollercoaster

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

The fourth season of the HBO comedy-drama focuses on Issa and Molly’s friendship, as well as important issues like toxic masculinity and postpartum depression. Let’s discuss.…

June 6, 2020

Illustration of the flip challenge redefining masculinity

The Flip Challenge Exposed Hip-Hop’s Hypermasculine Culture

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

Society is redefining what it means to be masculine and feminine. What does that mean for a culture rooted in gender roles?…

April 22, 2020

Screenshot from Something in the Rain in an article about K-dramas

How K-Dramas Perpetuate Toxic and Abusive Relationships

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

Although immensely popular, a few shows seem to conflate romance and abuse.…

April 9, 2020

In an article discussing the problematic 'Nice Guy' in media, Andrew McCarthy (Blane), Molly Ringwald (Andie) and Jo Cryer (Duckie) from left to right are discussed in the terms of the 'Nice Guy' complex..

The ‘Nice Guy’ Trope: Representations, Expectations and the Reality

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

How does this idea manifest itself in TV and film?…

March 17, 2020

A Look Back at the Best and Worst Moments of ‘Friends’

Chris Meng, Pomona College

The iconic sitcom has left Netflix and with it goes great comedic moments, lovable characters and some of the show's problematic components.…

January 7, 2020

6 Male Celebrities Who Challenge Toxic Masculinity

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

It's refreshing to have men like this to look up to.…

June 29, 2019

Poet Carlos Andres Gomez Is Confronting Toxic Masculinity

Victoria Macias, University of California, San Diego

Sensitivity > machismo.…

November 15, 2018

How #MeToo Is Changing the Definition of Masculinity

Candace Baker, University of Texas at Austin

Male behavior is, after all, the cause of the #MeToo movement.…

November 1, 2018

Korea’s Flower Boys Are Breaking Down Masculinity Norms

Jamie Lovley, University of Maine

Move over machismo, there’s a new type of man in town.…

September 11, 2018

What Terry Crews’ Sexual Assault Case Says About Toxic Masculinity

Monica Petrucci, Emerson College

While the women of #MeToo hold each other up, Crews' fellow men are trying to tear him down.…

July 8, 2018

Why Intellectuals Are the New Jocks

Tylah Silva, Emerson College

Geeky guys who pride themselves on fighting stereotypical masculinity with their intelligence are actually just reconfigurations of their jock predecessors.…

May 10, 2017

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toxic masculinity