**On Masculinity, Femininity, and the Power of Love**
Masculinity and femininity are natural and good traits in human beings, but it’s essential to distinguish between healthy expressions of these traits and their toxic extremes. Toxic masculinity—marked by a rejection of vulnerability, emotional suppression, and a rigid definition of what it means to be a man—has long caused harm to women and men alike. Toxic femininity, a newer form of extremism, can be equally damaging when it distorts the pursuit of gender equality and encourages unhealthy attitudes toward both men and women.
Any form of extremism, whether rooted in masculinity or femininity, is dangerous. When it becomes a widespread belief system, it fosters hatred and division. We've witnessed the harm toxic masculinity has inflicted on women, and now we must address toxic femininity, which often undermines the very ideals of equality and mutual respect that feminism was founded upon.
**The Role of Love in a Transformed World**
I encourage men to prioritise love in their lives. Love, in its purest form, is a powerful force that can heal and create. If children are born from love, they will carry that love into the world, breaking cycles of hate and ignorance. Without love, we risk perpetuating the very patterns that have brought us suffering.
I’m a feminist because I believe in equal rights and opportunities for women—this is a fundamental human principle. But recently, our standards as a society have shifted. In our pursuit of personal freedom, we've become confused about what we’re truly striving for. In all of this, we must remember that love should be our guiding priority. Love is the foundation that makes life meaningful, and it is the most precious gift we can give to others and to the world.
The freedom we enjoy—the ability to choose who we are, what we believe, and how we express ourselves—is a privilege. It allows us to fully experience the beauty of life, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, or nationality. Our humanity is defined by this freedom, and our significance comes not from what we possess, but from the ability to liberate others who are caged by suffering, fear, or oppression.
**The Problem with Toxic Feminism**
It’s not wrong for a man to strive for success, whether that means staying in shape, earning money, or driving a fancy car. Similarly, it’s not wrong for a woman to aspire to those same goals, or to find those qualities attractive. The issue arises when we fail to address the emerging problem of toxic feminism, which mirrors the very qualities of toxic masculinity that we have rightly critiqued.
Toxic masculinity is defined by a prioritisation of wealth, competition, appearance, and a lack of empathy for others, particularly women. Toxic feminism, on the other hand, weaponises the principles of feminism, leading women to adopt a similarly competitive, aggressive, and materialistic mindset, often directed at men. This is not true feminism. True feminism advocates for equality, not the suppression or exploitation of the other gender.
Toxic masculinity fosters hatred of women, while toxic femininity fosters hatred of men. Neither form of hate should be condoned, and both should be recognizsd as dangerous ideologies. We must reject extremism in all its forms, and recognise that the only way to heal the divide is by prioritising love, empathy, and understanding.
**Prioritising Love Over Materialism**
The rise of toxic feminism has inadvertently exacerbated toxic masculinity. When women who claim to champion equality also strive to uphold materialistic or competitive standards that mirror the worst aspects of toxic masculinity, they contribute to the very problem they are trying to solve. If men and women both fall into the trap of valuing wealth, status, and external appearances over love, empathy, and genuine connection, we will continue to perpetuate cycles of hate and disconnection.
True masculinity and true feminism are not about competing for power, wealth, or recognition—they are about uplifting humanity. Whether you are a man or a woman, the ultimate goal should be to prioritise love over materialism. This is what sustains healthy relationships and nurtures the well-being of children. When love and empathy take precedence over riches and status, we create the conditions for true family, community, and societal transformation.
**The Need for a New Standard**
Today, we face the troubling reality of young people—both men and women—being lost in a world that values riches and status over humanity and love. Both young men and young women are being taught to prioritise financial success and material gain over emotional connection and the well-being of others. This system profits off of our ignorance, encouraging us to chase after things that ultimately lead to emptiness.
As men, we must be willing to nurture and support our partners, just as we expect to be nurtured and supported in return. Love is a reciprocal act, and it’s through acts of care, empathy, and shared responsibility that we build strong families and communities. The same applies to women: striving for financial independence and personal success is empowering, but it must not come at the cost of empathy, love, and genuine connection with others.
In this new world we’re shaping, we must create a standard where love and empathy are valued over material wealth. This will ultimately lead to healthier relationships, stronger families, and more compassionate societies. The true measure of success is not the number of possessions we accumulate, but the quality of the love and humanity we share with others.
**Conclusion: Let’s Change the Conversation**
If young men are already striving to emulate the toxic behaviours they see in society, we must set a higher standard. And if women continue to adopt a form of feminism that mirrors toxic masculinity, we perpetuate the same destructive patterns. But by prioritising love, empathy, and humanity, we can create a new standard—one where both men and women, in all their diversity, work together to build a future rooted in care and mutual respect.
A true partnership, whether in a romantic relationship or in society at large, is built on shared love, shared responsibility, and shared values. Let’s elevate one another, not through the pursuit of riches or status, but through a deep commitment to humanity and the power of love. Only then can we hope to heal the divisions of the past and move forward in a way that honours all of us.
