How should we celebrate Men’s International Day
By: Adam O
Tags: Meninism, Equality, Masculinity, Feminism, Diversity And Inclusion

Last Thursday was Men’s International Day, I bet most of you didn’t even hear let alone celebrate it. That’s not a surprise at all. We are used to celebrate other groups at least on their “International Day”, however, men’s Day for some reason is usually exempt from such festive spirit.

I completely acknowledge my male privilege, if anything, the past few years have been a steep social-awareness learning curve. Am sure I speak on behalf of many men when I say we did learn a lot, and we are in much better society for it.

Wrongful association of masculinity with uber dominance and oppressive authority have created an image that men are too powerful to expose any sign of vulnerability. Being a man doesn’t mean that we are immune from mental health, social pressures or physical ailment that are uniquely inflicted on men. Prostate Cancer alone kills million every year. This is a preventable disease and early detection can help save lives. Sadly, very few know about that.

Suicide kills more men than homicide! This is rarely discussed or researched topic. Obvious culprits would be the technological impact on employment. Many men lost their jobs to machines without having suitable alternatives. Employment is a critical status symbol and losing it will have ever lasting mental and physical impact, and it’s only getting worse. Governments and private sector can do a lot to prevent it getting worse.

Social media has also changed societal perception of the male physique. For decades, men were excluded from this harsh and unfair body shape comparison — there is no Men’s Cosmopolitan or Glamour magazine, filled with images of athletic men. Now, everyone is aware that Michael B. Jordan has won People’s “Sexiest Man Alive”, it’s all over social media. Just think that Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan were the ultimate masculinity figures and they were both 5' tall.

Men by default, have assumed the unfortunate role of being on the “Other” end of any progressive debate. It’s a fact that straight white men hold disproportionate power within our society. But being white or straight doesn’t exclude men from being human beings who need help and support in times of need. Truly inclusive society is where everyone can air their issues and concerns, and everyone support each other regardless of who they are.

So, how should we celebrate Men’s International Day?

It’s easy — do exactly what you did for Women’s International Day. Raise awareness of suicide rates, drug abuse, loneliness, etc. Encourage more men to talk about their issues, talk to friends and colleagues about it, and why it is an important Day for everyone to celebrate.

Or maybe, just tell a male friend, “Congrats, today is Men’s International Day”, watch his face lit up with a smile, you will be assured that he will research it, and for sure say something on Women’s International Day.

Sympathy is a habit best practiced when it’s given and received. I think we all have a lot to learn from each other’s experiences and by doing so we all help our society improve one Day at a time.