My teenage son and I have been clashing over what it means to 'be a man' — I grew up believing you don't show weakness or ask for help, but he's dealing with anxiety and depression and needs support I was never taught how to give. We keep talking past each other because we're operating from completely different ideas about masculinity and I don't know how to bridge that gap without abandoning everything I thought I knew about being strong.
More people experience this than they realize.
A father and son are navigating conflicting models of masculinity that create barriers to emotional connection and authentic support.
“Where Are You with Masculinity — constructed and contested?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.