The tragic hilarity of toxic masculinity is that it strives to define "a man" by what he isn't, in an attempt to preserve an exclusive and narrowly defined top slot of a social hierarchy. But all one has to do is claim behaviors as a different group, and the definition contracts accordingly. At the same time, the fact that said "masculine" definition is malleable to the point of sheer fiction, evades everyone in that group.

[–] Shyfer@ttrpg.network 16 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Sound alike the gymnastics to define racial categories to preserve a social hierarchy as well. What is white? Well it's people from here and here, not Irish, not Jewish, etc. Oh wait, Irish are allowed now but not Okies. Okay, they're allowed now but no Jews! Now, Jewish can be allowed sometimes but no Italians. Alright, Italians, but no Jews, Irish are also okay, some Hispanic people if they can pass, certain Asians can be let in, etc. Etc. It always go on like that. It stays malleable just to make it exclusive.

[–] Emmy@lemmy.nz 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

You gotta be kidding yourself if you think Asians are let in.

[–] match@pawb.social 5 points 7 months ago

turkey? iran? armenia?

[–] vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works 8 points 7 months ago

Men is what my ooga booga caveman brain defines as not female and not unkown. Non-binary folk are unkown to caveman brain for example. Trans women are women and same with trans men. Femboys are close enough to female that ooga booga caveman brain wants to put dick in some.

Reject modern prescriptivism, embrace caveman brain descriptivism!