Today is International Men’s Day. Honestly, I didn’t even know this day existed 😅 But now that I know, I can’t stop thinking > what does it really mean to be a man in 2020s?🤔 For generations, ‘being a man’ meant strength and control— over yourself, and over others. But, the world has changed. Yet we’re still clinging to outdated idea of masculinity - “Mard ko dard nahi hota” “Don’t show weakness” “Be the provider, the protector.” But sach hai ye ki > Dard hota hai. Rona bhi aata hai. Feelings bhi hurt hoti hain (especially when you’re an entrepreneur! 😜) By clinging to these old definitions, we’re doing more harm than good. We’re suffocating ourselves emotionally, suppressing women’s power by holding onto control, and ultimately creating a world where no one truly wins—because no one is free to be themselves 🙅♂️🙅♀️ To make a difference, we need to raise boys who challenge these conventions. It’s not just about shifting how men view themselves. It’s about raising a generation that breaks the cycle of toxic masculinity and builds a society based on respect, equality, and freedom for all💪
Men is victim of criticism always, and women is playing safe always. How this will define matrix by which we judge someone whether it’s male or female. There is no difference when it comes to work life. However if we are talking about gender relationship and role that gender plays society need to think about leadership by gender or behaviour now. If female acts independent she is masculine and if male acts independent he is masculine. Now gender difference doesn’t matter. However female is playing safe by customise this as per situation. That’s wrong. That’s why international men’s day is celebrated to protect the men’s world. Men never asked for favour or protection but the way feminism is projected in young females it’s just wrong to blame only men for suffering that humans are creating for themselves. For healthy society both gender must be differently capable not trying to be like someone else. Because, At the end humanity is suffering.
I wonder why people celebrate their birthdays, marriages and anniversaries lavishly just to show the world they're happy… I wonder why people celebrate mother's day, father's day, valentine's day, daughter's day, women's day when they don't even love and respect their mother/father/daughter/lady love… I wonder why people celebrate when a child is born in this fake world when the societal norms don't even let them make their own choices and live their lives the way they want to… I wonder why people rather don't start celebrating death day when that's the real universal truth everyone needs to face and that's the day our spirits are finally set free from this cycle of rebirth… I wonder why people rather don't start celebrating breakup day and divorce day when they're finally out of the misery they have been in… We need to realize our self worth, start loving self and living life the way we want to, sooner than later…and start celebrating ‘Me day’
Anupam Mittal While a lot needs to change, that doesn’t mean we should infuse masculinity with toxicity. If men lose their sense of masculinity, they risk losing a fundamental part of their identity. Masculinity isn’t about control; it’s about support. I don’t understand the issue with statements like “Be the provider, the protector.” If a man cannot protect or provide for his family, does he fulfill the essence of what it means to be a man? This perspective might trigger both men and women, but it’s a truth worth reflecting on. True masculinity lies in being supportive, standing by those who need you, and being ready to provide and protect.
A very sane post indeed! The definition of “being a man” has evolved, and it’s high time we let go of those outdated, restrictive ideals. The idea that men should never show vulnerability or emotions is not only damaging to them but also to everyone around them. Dard hota hai, rona bhi aata hai, and that's okay! Real strength lies in being open, in breaking the cycle of toxic masculinity, and in creating a space where both men and women can embrace their full selves without judgment or limitation. We need to raise the next generation with a new mindset: one of respect, equality, and emotional freedom. Only then will we truly build a world where everyone can thrive. 🙇♀️
Anupam Mittal , I fully support your views and believe me, even I wasn't aware that this day existed and today is that day till the time i received a bouquet from my wife while I was in my office. Just a few minutes ago, I also mentioned in my LinkedIn post that the struggles of today's men are very different from what it was ever.. so, we need to ensure that we break shackles, raise a new generation of boys with different perspectives and allow them to express themselves
India ke unjust and gender biased laws ke bare mein thoda highlight bhi kar dete issi bahane.... Such a pressing issue but nobody has come forward to hold the government accountable. In the end this will hamper your business in the long run because many men are choosing not to marry. The decline has already begun and only poised to get worse if not addressed. Admi ki koi izzat hi nai hai iss desh mein na kisi ko ghanta farak padta hai, unfortunately. 😞
Beautifully articulated! International Men’s Day serves as a great reminder to reflect on how we define masculinity in today’s world. Breaking free from outdated stereotypes is not just liberating for men but also instrumental in creating a more inclusive and empathetic society. Acknowledging emotions, embracing vulnerability, and promoting equality are indeed the pillars of true strength. Here’s to raising a generation that values authenticity over rigidity and chooses respect and freedom for everyone. Well said—let’s lead by example!
This is such a refreshing take on masculinity in today’s world. The idea that ‘mard ko dard nahi hota’ has held back generations of men from expressing their true selves. Challenging these outdated norms is essential not just for men’s emotional well-being but for creating a world rooted in respect and equality. Raising boys to embrace vulnerability and break free from these conventions will undoubtedly lead to a stronger, freer society. Thanks for sharing this meaningful perspective, Anupam Mittal !
Most of the people don't know about this day but I accept that everyday is a new day, a day can be valentine's day, one can be father's day, mother's day , thus everyday is about something but mostly people don't know because our society doesn't promote such type of dramatic things 😀😀 but if we are now aware of this day then, I wish you happy international men's day 💓 be happy,be cautious,be informative Have a good day
Co-Founder at The Ideagator | Marketing Trainer | Consultant
1moWhile I completely agree, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the growing number of posts on Men's Day that focus more on 'leaving toxic masculinity' rather than celebrating and empowering men. We seem to have an entire generation of men caught in a narrative imbalance—where the emphasis is more on 'fixing the toxic man' rather than embracing and uplifting what it means to be a man.