Discussion: Masculinity and mental health

As part of the STX English A exam assignment from 3rd of December, 2019, you are asked to discuss the issue of masculinity and mental health on the basis of Kevin Love’s essay “Everyone Is Going Through Something”. This page provides some suggestions for arguments you can consider in this context.

Are traditional masculine ideals harmful to mental health?

The main question to discuss in relation to this issue is whether Love is correct in his claim that traditional masculine ideals and stereotypes are harmful to mental health.

In his essay, Love specifically points to the issue that men are expected to live by certain traditional rules: “Be strong. Don’t talk about your feelings. Get through it on your own.” (ll. 15-16). Love believes that these rules played a major role in his eventual panic attack, because suppressing negative feelings is psychologically unhealthy, while sharing the mental burden can provide relief.

This may prove a good starting point for your discussion, though it is also a good idea to consider further arguments of your own. Yo...