Toxic Masculinity - The changing views on masculinity

Masculinity is changing, views an opinions of what it means to be masculine are finally shifting. From Grime artists to the royal family, men are talking openly about their emotions, addressing their battles with mental health and examining the pressure on them to 'act like a man'. The 2016 colour of the year was millennial pink, which gained enthusiasm from both genders; something which in the past a male wouldn't particularly want to be associated with because of the feminine connotations that are associated with the colour.

Millenial Pink

Brands are making great efforts recently to reflect the changing notions of femininity, but the conversation about masculinity feels somewhat left behind. At a time where we've now reached a peak in toxic masculinity and hyper-masculine behaviour, at the very least brands should be rejecting the outdated portrayals of masculinity and engage with their clients. A better balance needs to be obtained between the portrayal of the genders rather than simply highlighting the change in one.