Suicide. Heart attacks. Diabetes. Accidents. Homicide. Cancer. HIV.
These are some of the leading causes of death among men.
And while they may also be leading causes of death among women, men die on average seven years younger than women. They are one and a half times more likely than women to die from cancer. Twice as many men die from heart attacks. They account for nine out of every 10 deaths from AIDS.
The figures are startling, but we’ve known for years that women live longer than men. We’ve just accepted it. Women are more patient, more home-centered, more spiritual. Men are more stubborn, more restless, more careless. The stereotypes sometimes fit. But while they illuminate why men have shorter lives than women, they also shine light on how we can change that.
We need to break the stereotype of “the man.”
Challenging traditional male roles has been a trend since women began asserting feminist theory and in some ways, making men redefine themselves in contrast to the new woman. Society, throughout the years, has come to define manhood in a very narrow box: You have to be strong, tall, stubborn, pain-free, successful and calm. Men don’t cry. Men don’t feel pain. Men don’t ask for help.
And while these stereotypes have separated the roles of men and women, they have pushed men into such limited areas. Anything outside of the box is labeled wussy, nerdy, gay, weak or sissy. And when men are labeled by peers or by parents with these hurtful names, the answer is only to get back inside the box.
Well, women for years lived inside “the women’s sphere,” and the limiting of women to housework and raising children made them so angry that they took a stand. Now the women’s sphere includes almost every profession and attitude imaginable.
Men need to take such a stand against their stereotype, and society should support this. Not only will it broaden the scope of all American lives, it might just help heal some gaps between men and women. Women want the sensitive guy — not the macho one. And boys need to be taught that being “girlish” isn’t always a bad thing.
In the 1980s, men rediscovering their feminine side and going into the woods to bang on drums gained some popularity. But it also became a target for satire. Maybe that’s because it didn’t have practical application. Feelings are fine. But knowing that letting out feelings may extend your life by seven years is a breakthrough.
And this shift in how we view men’s health is the subject of a series of events throughout April put on by the University Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Office of Student Life and Physical Activity and Recreation Services. Dr. Will Courtenay, whose research produced the facts cited above, spoke Monday to fraternities and sororities about how to improve men’s health by breaking the stereotypes of who men are.
Men’s health is not limited to physicals and looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It’s more about learning to ask for help or guidance when you need it. To treat your pain. To take pride in the fact you care more about yourself than about your image.
And women like that.
This editorial represents the view of the Emerald editorial board. Responses may be sent to [email protected]