My Mental Health is Suffering as a Result of Perceived Discrimination

[HoboJoe]

As a male I have noticed that men and boys appear to be more and more marginalized and demonised in the media. In the past I have been afraid to talk about it, it was always my perception that it wouldn't be taken seriously or Id face negative criticism for voicing my concerns. When I search online I often find that men who do raise concerns often face harsh criticism. This simultaneously put me off but also reinforced my belief.

I dont want this post to be debate on whether this marginalization exists as such, its more of a question concerning am I the only one experiencing this? Are other men effected by this?

Its taken a lot of courage for me to make this post. I wondered if anyone else had felt this way? Or if anyone knew of a safe place to discuss the impact on men's mental health in regard to this?

[dixiedad]

Maybe if you gave some examples?

[HoboJoe in reply to dixiedad]

I would hold it as unacceptable to publish news, blogs and articles that made sweeping derogatory statements or reinforced negative stereotypes about a group of people based on race, age, sexuality or gender. It would in my mind be discriminatory and offensive.

Yet if you were to type "white men" into your search bar that's often what you are presented with. As well as articles mocking or dismissing peoples concerns about discrimination felt by men.

I sometimes wonder what effect this has on a young generation of boys who are new to the world and how it effects the mental health of males in general. I find that there arent many places that you can discuss this without drawing negative attention.

[jaglad in reply to HoboJoe]

You are somewhat right. These days being a white male and dare I say it, heterosexual, then you are probably on many a banned list ?Not sure what can be done about it I think this is the way society has become.

Like in many areas of life, a minority gives the rest a bad name.

[BexyBoy]

Any generalisation (including this one!) will inevitably be less true than a more detailed and nuanced description / expression of how people show judgmental or tolerant attitudes. I'm not sure it's a help to seek out others who have the same perception of how 'generally' boys and men are described or portrayed. What matters is your own subjective truth in specific instances and your right to have your own perceptions and feelings in particular circumstances. Anticipating that we will be criticised or ostracised can almost be an invitation to be victimised. Whatever the generality of 'society's' attitude, your own individual wants, needs, thoughts and feelings are yours and are undeniable by anyone else who, after all, cannot know better than you yourself what is your internal experience. The exception to this is, perhaps occasionally when another individual is accurately reading your behaviour (rather than your thoughts), since we can show our internal truth unwittingly by our body language and mannerisms. So, my suggestion is that you concentrate on individuals rather than groups and assess their here and now reaction or attitude towards you rather than being concerned with general attitudes. Proceed with confidence and you may invite more respect than if you appproach people with suspicion or even fear.