Our Mission
In case you are new to our movement (#menmattertoo), or whether you would like more clarity, it will be helpful for us to outline in detail what exactly our mission is here at Men Matter Too.
Clearly, if you are reading this article, you probably know about the “hidden pandemic” of male suicide across the world at the moment—with men, for example, accounting for approx. 75% of the total number around the globe. In the U.K. alone, 1 man on average takes his own life more frequently than every 2 hours.
There is clearly something going on, something profound, and something which needs to be addressed. That is why we are here!
Raise Awareness About
Male Suicide:
Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
You might know just how shocking the statistics on male suicide are, but unfortunately, not everyone does. It is therefore vital to increase understanding, as well as delve into working out what the underlying causes are. If more people understand how prevalent male suicide is, and some of the mental health warning signs to look out for, then we can start to do something about this tragedy.
In the end, it is about understanding the real human stories behind the overall statistics, the ones where male lives have been cut far too short, and the ones where loved ones have been left behind to try and pick up the emotional and other pieces. The flawed and dangerous assumptions around “men don’t suffer” or “men don’t have it as tough as women” need to stop—we are seeing the fatal consequences of such ignorance at the moment.
Push Back On
“Toxic Masculinity”
Concept
Confident masculinity based on respect and strong values = ✔
Our current culture likes to spray all kinds of malevolent labels around: “white privilege” being one, and “toxic masculinity” being another. To the sophisticated mind, such broad brush and low-resolution thinking are clearly flawed and, in the case of these examples, racist and sexist. Let’s put to bed once and for all the ridiculous notion that masculinity can ever be “toxic”. Of course, some men might be toxic, just as some women might be, but that is not because of their masculinity (rather in spite of it).
To be masculine is to be a protector, provider, family man, loyal, and chivalrous. When men deviate from their masculinity and seek to harm women, for example, now they are being “toxic” (as they repudiate their God-given masculine role to serve and honour women). In light of the horrendous male suicide figures, calling men “toxic” all of the time is clearly not a very smart and helpful idea!
Counter Myths About
Men
We need to be there for each other—and therefore we can achieve so much better!
Following on from the nonsense about “toxic masculinity”, this issue of myth-making and myth-perpetuating goes wider still. We are told that “men have always controlled women”, “we live in a patriarchal structure”, and so on. Again, to the sophisticated and nuanced mind, this is all hysterical and untrue nonsense.
The human species has survived and thrived across such a long period of time because of the cooperation between men and women (not on account of “control”). And it is a very strange “patriarchal structure” which generates such disproportionately high male suicide, incarceration, homelessness, unemployment, poor education results, lack of child access rights, and so on.
In truth, therefore, men do not “have it better or easier” than women. Both men and women can (and do) suffer. It should not be a hardship competition; we should seek to better understand and help each other!
Foster
Better Understanding
Between
Men & Women
The “TOO” part is particularly important. Because of course women matter!
This brings us neatly onto this aspect of our mission here at Men Matter Too—and also allows us the chance to counter one of the myths that are also spread about our movement. Men Matter Too is not “anti-female”. Being pro-men and pro-male health is not mutually exclusive with being pro-women and pro-female health. Again, it does not have to be a competition, not least because, as mentioned before, it is cooperation which has served us so well across time (and can continue to do so).
Unfortunately, radical and extreme (or we might even say “toxic”) feminism has sought to shut down the male voice, on account of the flawed assumption that men have always “run the world”. It should go without saying that a homeless male veteran with PTSD doesn’t exactly feel like King of the World, but unfortunately, the misandrists did not get the memo on that one. Fortunately, however, many women are still sensible enough to exercise powers of discernment, and judge men on the individual (rather than group identity) basis which they would themselves expect. It gives us hope that sensible and understanding dialogue can win out hereafter!
Offer Practical
Help & Support
Finally, we recognize that raising awareness about men and their mental and physical health can only go so far. It also needs to be supplemented with real and practical action, which can often mean receiving coaching and support from professionals who are also invested in the personal growth and well-being of men.
That is why, here at Men Matter Too, we are partnered with some incredible and inspirational coaches and practitioners from all around the globe—all of whom are ready and able to support you through whatever challenges you might be facing at the moment (or simply help you to achieve an even better life than the one which you currently have). You can learn more HERE.
Of course!
We hope that our mission here at Men Matter Too (#menmattertoo) resonates with you. Even better if you would like to: