Picturing Courageous Conversations: Counternarratives for College Men

Abstract

At a young age, men begin examining and collecting societal messages about masculinity. As as a result of interpreting these messages, young men modify their behavior based on these societal expectations. This is what the author refers to as "regulating masculinity." The regulation of young men's masculinity takes many forms and can crop up in a variety of settings, both on and off campus. In many ways, college men have been taught to avoid vulnerability at all costs. Today it is easy to see college men misbehaving, inflicting pain, and causing trauma in the news and on social media. Those who work in higher education have the opportunity and responsibility to help defuse the grenade of toxic masculinity. Educators have a unique chance to teach and model ways for college men to understand that vulnerability is strong and courageous, and it only enhances multidimensional, diverse masculinity. In this article, the author encourages educators to make connections and encourage dialogue that will allow students to consider ways male students can create bonds and combat toxicity on campus.