International Men’s Day celebrated on November 19, it seeks to promote men’s health, draw attention to the contribution of men to society and address the specific challenges they face. However, in Mexico the ‘congratulations‘ for fun memes which was being shared on social networks by those who were celebrating themselves.
founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh officially in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago its main objectives are to improve men’s physical and mental health, challenge gender stereotypes and promote positive male role models.
Although we know less about International Women’s Day, this day invites us to reflect on it social pressures affecting men such as the prospect of being the main economic provider or underestimating their feelings. It also focuses on how these norms can make it difficult for men to seek medical help or express vulnerability, which has a negative impact on their overall well-being.
In Mexico, men face a harsh reality: they are more likely to die younger compared to women. According to a study carried out by the national Institutes of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and Women (2018), in Mexico City their life expectancy is five years lower. The academic from the Gender Research and Studies Center (CIEG) of the UNAM, César Torres Cruz, stated this.
In the framework of International Men’s Day, Torres Cruz explains that the main causes of death of Mexican men between the ages of 15 and 40 are:
- Attacks which often result from street fights or conflicts related to the representation of “strong masculinity”.
- traffic accidents where men are the main drivers involved.
- Liver disease which is linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
- Suicide a critical issue of mental health and social norms that discourage emotional expression.
Torres Cruz warns that these reasons are deeply linked to the hegemonic model of masculinity, which teaches “To be a man is to be strong, risky and reckless, facing danger without showing weakness.” However, these same behaviors, such as avoiding medical care or taking unnecessary risks, have a negative impact on your health and longevity.
The doctor in Political and Social Sciences from UNAM also questions the relevance of this date. “In patriarchal societies every day seems to be ‘men’s day’. Personally, I am not in favor of this initiative, but we can use it to promote more equal gender relations and it reaffirms that the model of masculinity presents risks for everyone,” he says.
The reflection on International Men’s Day, according to the academic, should focus on questioning the social standards that perpetuate these behaviors and on promoting changes that benefit men and women, moving towards a society fairer and healthier.
What are the key themes discussed in César Torres Cruz’s insights on International Men’s Day?
Title: A Candid Conversation on International Men’s Day
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into pressing global issues. Today, we have a special guest, César Torres Cruz, an academic from the Gender Research and Studies Center at UNAM. César, thank you for joining us to discuss International Men’s Day, which is coming up on November 19th.
César: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: International Men’s Day aims to promote men’s health and address the challenges they face. Yet, it seems there’s a trend of celebration that borders on irreverence, especially on social media, with many users sharing memes. What are your thoughts on this?
César: Yes, it’s quite fascinating—while the day is meant to shed light on serious issues like health and societal roles, the meme culture often reduces these conversations to humor. It reveals a certain disconnect, perhaps a coping mechanism, that many men resort to instead of engaging deeply with their health and emotional struggles.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. In Mexico, statistics show that men, on average, have a shorter life expectancy compared to women, by about five years. Can you explain why this trend persists?
César: Absolutely. The reasons are multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal norms. For instance, Mexican men face immense pressure to embody ‘strong masculinity.’ This often leads them to avoid seeking medical help for fear of appearing weak, which ultimately impacts their health.
Editor: What do you see as the main health issues affecting men, particularly within the age group of 15 to 40?
César: Several critical issues emerge. The leading causes include violent attacks often stemming from street conflicts related to masculinity, traffic accidents where men are predominantly the drivers, liver disease linked to alcohol consumption, and tragically, suicide. These issues are not just individual burdens; they arise from societal expectations that glorify risky and reckless behavior.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear how these pressures can lead to such serious outcomes. You mentioned the hegemonic model of masculinity. How does this concept influence men’s behavior and their health?
César: The hegemonic model of masculinity promotes the idea that “to be a man is to be strong and fearless.” This enforces a reluctance to express vulnerability. Such norms discourage men from discussing their feelings or seeking help, which further exacerbates mental health issues and can lead to more harmful behaviors.
Editor: You’ve raised an important concern regarding the role of societal norms in shaping men’s behavior. With the backdrop of International Men’s Day, do you believe this initiative is beneficial, or does it need a reevaluation?
César: That’s a tough question. While I appreciate the outreach that International Men’s Day provides to highlight men’s health and well-being, I can’t help but feel that every day in patriarchal societies leans toward a “men’s day.” Ultimately, it should be a platform to foster discussions around more equal gender relations and to challenge these harmful norms.
Editor: So, in your opinion, should the focus shift more toward a societal conversation on gender equality as opposed to just highlighting men’s issues?
César: Precisely. It’s essential for men to recognize their struggles, but we must also dismantle the structures that perpetuate unhealthy masculinity. Only then can we create a society that supports all genders equally and promotes well-being across the board.
Editor: Thank you, César, for your valuable insights. As we approach International Men’s Day, it’s crucial to reflect on how societal constructs shape our perceptions and health.
César: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important topics. Awareness is the first step towards change.
Editor: Indeed. And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Let’s continue to foster conversations that lead to understanding and equality.
