8 Books That Look At Masculinity Through A Refreshing New Lens

Written in the form of a letter from Coates to his son, this book re-examines masculinity and incorporates the idea of ​​nurturing and vulnerability into it. Young black boys growing up in a racially divided America are often asked to be tough. Coates doesn’t ask that of his son. His letter zooms in on the diversity of black masculinity. He speaks of a masculinity that resists the forces of hegemony and at the same time practices tenderness.

Bell Hooks writes in clear prose about men’s innate need to feel loved. Softness is a way of being, and despite what society tells us, men need compassion and caring. Hooks addresses the most common concerns that plague men, such as fear of intimacy and losing their social standing. She believes that with a little rewiring, men can also access their rich emotions and enjoy a rewarding inner workings.

Perry examines what it would be like to live in a world where men are not bound by the dangers of toxic masculinity. He discusses the difference between what masculinity is and what it should be. His goal is to find ways for men to build better relationships with themselves and the world, and discover true happiness in the process. Men should decide for themselves what the new definition of masculinity should be and discard the outdated script being handed down to them.

In this book, the actor, director and activist tells of his own experiences with rigid masculinity. He breaks down the roles expected of men and outlines how we can unmask them. He explains the issues men face in relation to marriage, vulnerability, sexuality, body image and fatherhood. With great empathy and empathy, he notes that men too are victims of patriarchy and its unrealistic barometers of masculinity.

A young Indian boy is delighted with the bindi (dot on the forehead worn by many South Asian women) worn by his mother. Bindis on men are taboo and bring them a lot of ridicule. But the mother of our young protagonist does not comply with cultural expectations and teaches the boy about their meaning. She has no problem with him wearing a bindi. This book is a great way to introduce children to the concept of healthy masculinity and teach them to respect differences.

Bunny and Nasir have been friends for a long time. But in every friendship there comes a time when one’s choices annoy the other. Bunny accepts a city-wide athletic scholarship, and Nasir feels betrayed. Rather than portraying teenagers as emotionless automatons, this book delves into the complexities that make up their psyches. This novel debunks common misconceptions about masculinity and leaves its readers with a beautiful message of compassion and acceptance.

Part memoir and part cultural criticism, in this book Sexton examines his working-class background, the socio-historical sources leading to the formation of toxic masculinity, and the impact of male chauvinism on society. On the way to a more progressive society, typical gender roles have become obsolete. So what identity do men cling to? How do they find a new definition of masculinity that better suits their emotional well-being?

Casey loves all things glitter. From his sister’s shimmering skirt to his Abuelita’s glittering bracelets, he is fascinated by every shiny object that comes his way. Even if he’s teased for not being “man enough,” he doesn’t care as he understands from a young age that he can be anyone he wants to be. This book is a heartwarming story about gender expression and breaking out of the old-fashioned form of masculinity.