In response to recent media discussions on masculinity, Men’s Health Network recommends that organizations, corporations, and media join us in promoting positive masculinity and taking a more balanced approach.
Men’s Health Network supports a productive dialogue on masculinity and what it means to be a man. We also recognize that during this dialogue, and in programs intended to promote positive masculinity, it is important not to paint boys and men with broad strokes that tend to depreciate the entire gender because of the inappropriate behavior of some individual or group.
We firmly believe that masculinity is not inherently toxic and remains a core component of manhood.
We see companies like Amazon, Gillette, Nike, etc as cultural influencers who play a significant role in shaping society’s perspectives and driving positive or negative rhetoric and debate. There are many positive commercial advertisements and public commentary which highlight the important and valuable role men play as family members, fathers, husbands, partners and part of our communities and our nation. Examples include the Amazon Echo Dot TV Commercial, ‘Dad’s Favorite Song’ and Amazon Echo TV’s commercial, ‘Dad’s Day’.
Health ads that portray men as engaged and involved in the care of their families and media focus on male volunteerism and contributions to the community are also noteworthy. MHN is pleased to see the number of such commercial placements and stories increasing in the past several years, but there is a great deal of room to grow. Portraying men, and boys, in these positive roles helps present positive images to future generations.
All men should strive to be their best and to help their fellow men and boys, be their best. It all starts from within.
