Times of Bennett
ArticleFeatures

Why patriarchy is bad for men

Actions speak louder than words. Even if one believes against patriarchy, in practicality, these expectations and notions invariably do pop up, at least in a country like India.

Published:November 16, 2021 at 01:09 AM2 min read
Why patriarchy is bad for men
By Aditi Paranjpe


While one might argue that patriarchy is set up in a way that it benefits 'men,' the toxicity that comes around the concept brings out the gravity of its harmful nature. The more so-called power and privilege is given to men, the more it harms them more than benefiting them. It creates a false sense of reality and self which becomes difficult for men to address since the influence of patriarchal norms is so strong. Equality and male well-being have been directly related based on factors like better mental health, communication, introspection, compassion, and thus the overall betterment that follows, not just for men.

This belief that men have the upper hand, the superiority also makes it difficult for them to open up and deal with certain issues, for example, heinous crimes like rape and harassment. Coping becomes difficult since these crimes are largely associated with women.

Even in terms of companionships and relationships, the most basic idea we all understand to maintain good relations is that of communication. When open understanding and equality is present, more transparent and safer relationships bloom. Even if one tries to bring in these changes, to completely get rid of this sense is extremely difficult. And this is what carries forward from generation to generation.

Actions speak louder than words. Even if one believes against patriarchy, in practicality, these expectations and notions invariably do pop up, at least in a country like India.

In an effort to compete with the standards that patriarchy has embedded, there is more scope for insecurity, instability, and a much higher possibility of the emergence of other similar issues. The meaning of ‘masculinity,' which ideally should be based on the biological characteristics of men as part of the human race, is becoming more rigid by the day according to societal standards. It is this rigidity that makes the entire concept toxic. Where lies the point when something like patriarchy, which supposedly gives men authority, the power, the ultimate superiority, is harming them in the bigger picture?
Tags
#patriarchy#toxicity#patriarchal norms#equality#male well-being#mental health#rape and harassment#communication#crimes against women#masculinity

Related Articles

The Murmuring 20s: A Look Back at the Decade So Far
Article
Features

The Murmuring 20s: A Look Back at the Decade So Far

As we officially enter the late 2020s, this article retrospectively analyzes the defining events and cultural shifts that have taken place this decade.

Oct 30, 20267 min
#artificial intelligence#gen z#covid+2 more
Between Two Worlds: An American in Russia
Article
Features

Between Two Worlds: An American in Russia

What if the country we think we know is not what it seems? At the second edition of Bennett Dialogues held at Bennett University, American-born cross-cultural analyst Jozef Schutzman challenged dominant media narratives about Russia and the United States, drawing from his experience of living in Russia. His conversation raised a compelling question: are we forming our own opinions about other nations, or simply believing the stories we are told?

Oct 28, 20264 min
#russia#times school of media#bennett dialogues+2 more
Gloria Steinem: A Mortal Heroine
Article
Features

Gloria Steinem: A Mortal Heroine

The article examines Gloria Steinem’s complex feminist legacy, acknowledging both her contributions to the movement and criticisms of her approach to intersectionality. It argues against idealizing or demonizing public figures, urging readers to recognize their complexities and the collective nature of social movements.

Oct 19, 20265 min
#steinem#gloria steinem#white feminism+2 more
I Buy, Therefore I Am
Article
Features

I Buy, Therefore I Am

The article explores how capitalism, social media influencers, and FOMO fuel modern consumerism, turning everyday products into symbols of status and identity. It questions whether we buy things out of genuine need or a manufactured desire to fit in.

Oct 19, 20263 min
#labubu#stanley#fomo+5 more
Unravelling The Language Of Consent In Qala's “Ghodey Pe Sawaar”
Article
Popculture

Unravelling The Language Of Consent In Qala's “Ghodey Pe Sawaar”

This article dissects Qala's lead single 'Ghode Pe Sawaar', through a feminist lens.

May 2, 20265 min
#ghodey pe sawaar#urmila#qalas+4 more
Beyond Headlines: The war of West Asia from youth's lens
Article
Features

Beyond Headlines: The war of West Asia from youth's lens

Has the popularity of social media hastened war news reporting or sensationalism? Does the youth of today find themselves torn between deciphering real news and misniformation? This article aims to look beyond the surface and uncover the answers to these questions and more.

Apr 24, 20266 min
#west asia#prabhjot kaur#point+3 more