For my advocacy project I decided to do something different from my issue brief, however, it is closely related to the topic of my civic issue blog: toxic masculinity. In my project, I introduce the topic by looking at Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” video, in which Gillette shows many harmful habits and behaviors that men have historically taken on. However, the video received terrible backlash, mainly because men did not like hearing that their current behavior is a function of toxic masculinity or simply poor standards. As a result, I chose to create a photo essay in which I feature many different ways in which men can improve. By choosing this method, I am directly trying to connect with the same men who wrote off the Gillette video. Some of these men clearly felt threatened by the vast amount of critique posed by Gillette. By including small, measurable ways of improving as a man, I am helping men make small steps to veer from toxic masculinity. In addition, the essay serves as a resource for them to use in their path to becoming a better version of themselves.

There is a clear sense of exigence as presented by not only the video itself, but the many social movements including the “#MeToo” movement. Such a need for improvement within our society is clearly prevalent. As a result, there is a dire need for men to become more accountable and present in these social movements. It is time for men to step up to the plate in all facets of society, not just in the way we treat women. As mentioned previously, the paper is meant to recognize the thoughts of men who feel overwhelmed or threatened by the video. It encourages small, meaningful change in areas including sexual and relationship violence, emotional awareness, and awareness of aggression. While Gillette touched on many more topics in their video, these subjects are of utmost important during a time when domestic abuse is an epidemic.

Throughout the project I mention two potential partners, including Men Against Violence as well as Stand for State. Both of these organizations are located at Penn State, but also work under a brand or name that is present across the United States. By mentioning these partners, the essay presents resources for readers who want to become more involved in the topic. Further, it enables readers to make small connections for self bettering as men.

For my Advocacy Project I am going to partner with the Global Mental Health Program of Columbia University. Towards the end of my blog post you will find a link to their website. This same link will also feature a link to an advocacy piece they have conducted. Their advocacy piece specifically focuses on masculinity, toxic masculinity, and how men can improve their behavior. The Global Mental Health Program of Columbia University helps tackle issues related to mental health in three main ways: education, training, and research. Mental health has been coming up more and more as people start seeing it as an issue worth talking about. Further, as suicide rates continue to jump upwards, mental health controversy has been on the rise. Media and film are also paying attention to mental health, as shows like 13 Reasons Why are appearing on Netflix and other mediums. Without enabling people to speak up about how they are feeling, mental health issues will continue to leave families and communities devastated. More people are giving their attention to mental health and the various ways in which we can better support across the world.

As a university, Columbia stands as one of many educational institutions which are trying to help solve mental health problems. Their platform is not entirely unique, in that many other groups are attacking the issue from a research perspective. However, their audience is certainly focused towards people who are struggling with mental health problems. In addition, young adults or college students who fall under the same label are of particular emphasis when it comes to the audience.

Some constraints that they may face are certainly posed by the issue of mental health itself. There is only so much you can do for a person who is depressed and there are only so many resources you can supply them with. That being said, research and education almost always have a positive effect no matter how difficult of a problem there is at hand. Other constraints are posed by the funding limitations of mental health research and resources. Without proper funding, advocacy campaigns such as this one are only capable of making change in small capacities.

https://www.cugmhp.org/2019/01/18/masculinitytoxicmasculinitythebestmencanget/

https://www.cugmhp.org/