Men have opened up about the behaviours from other men that have caused disgust, often referred to as “icks.”
A prominent “ick”, shared by multiple men, was that men often neglect basic hygiene, such as washing their hands after using the bathroom. Another unsettling behaviour frequently mentioned was the sexualisation of underage women. Accounts of men using inappropriate language to describe young girls or making lewd remarks were prevalent. One disturbing incident took place at a Best Buy store, where a man commented inappropriately about two young girls to another male shopper, reflecting a behaviour that many find unacceptable.
Among other grievances, discussions veered into issues of toxic masculinity. Men expressed discomfort with peers who boasted about their ‘Alpha Male’ status or espoused misogynistic and sexist attitudes. Some described experiences where individuals aggressively demonstrated masculinity or shared exaggerated tales of sexual exploits, only to be met with discomfort and derision from others.
The conversation also touched on the perceived immaturity and insecurity reflected in certain male behaviours. Men shared examples of derogatory comments about women when they’re not present, often boasting or making condescending jokes about their partners. Such behaviours often led to the deterioration of friendships, as some expressed losing respect for peers who engaged in these acts.
Another area of concern was toxic competitiveness among men, often manifesting in juvenile behaviour such as unnecessarily aggressive handshakes or derogatory comments about others in attempts to assert dominance.
These anecdotes serve to illustrate the kind of toxic behaviours some men encounter in their social circles, behaviours which they feel uncomfortable with and often strive to distance themselves from. Issues relating to body image and self-presentation were also highlighted, with some expressing disdain for peers obsessed with maintaining a specific physique or image, sometimes to the detriment of their mental health.
More than just airing grievances, the discourse provides insight into the social dynamics and peer expectations men navigate, revealing widespread discomfort with certain behaviours that perpetuate outdated notions of masculinity and relationships.
Source: Noah Wire Services
More on this & verification
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9726920/ – This article discusses the impact of social media on adolescents, including their experiences with sharing difficult topics and the associated well-being, which can be related to the broader context of social dynamics and peer behaviors.
- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/11/16/connection-creativity-and-drama-teen-life-on-social-media-in-2022/ – This study highlights the various pressures and negative experiences teens face on social media, including feelings of being left out or overwhelmed, which can be linked to the toxic behaviors and peer expectations discussed.
- https://neuroclastic.com/unintended-ableism-on-calling-men-creepy/ – This article touches on the misinterpretation and judgment of behaviors, particularly in the context of neurodiverse individuals, which can be related to the themes of misinterpreted or uncomfortable behaviors among peers.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354195811_Peer_Experiences_via_Social_Media – This publication explores how social media influences peer experiences, including peer status, influence, and victimization, which are relevant to the social dynamics and peer behaviors mentioned.
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201906/the-problem-toxic-masculinity – This article discusses the concept of toxic masculinity, which aligns with the grievances men expressed about peers boasting about ‘Alpha Male’ status or espousing misogynistic attitudes.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/toxic-masculinity – This resource provides an overview of toxic masculinity, including its impact on mental health and relationships, which is relevant to the discomfort and derision expressed by men towards certain behaviors.
- https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/07/toxic-masculinity – This article from the American Psychological Association discusses the concept of toxic masculinity and its effects, which is pertinent to the behaviors and attitudes described in the discourse.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7448973/ – This study examines the relationship between traditional masculine norms and various negative outcomes, including mental health issues, which can be linked to the toxic competitiveness and immaturity discussed.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277539519303026 – This research article explores the impact of traditional masculine norms on men’s mental health and well-being, which is relevant to the body image and self-presentation issues mentioned.
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/15/toxic-masculinity-mental-health-men – This article discusses how toxic masculinity affects men’s mental health and relationships, aligning with the themes of discomfort and distancing from certain behaviors.
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toxic-masculinity-mental-health_l_5f2c9b4bc5b6b48576f5e5e5 – This article highlights the impact of toxic masculinity on mental health and social interactions, which is consistent with the grievances and social dynamics described in the discourse.
