The Autistic Yogi Reflects on Toxic Masculinity

A few days ago Gillette came out with an ad that called out the men of the world to do better in their dealings with society. This both caused a plethora of praise and rage directed at the company.
In watching the commentary unfold on Facebook it became apparent that there are many many people who have convoluted ideas as to what toxic masculinity is.

I once again have to touch base on Psychological Centration, to take one salient aspect of a thing and make it all about that one thing. What are some of the centrations done on the ad?:

1. That it shames white men specifically because of the ratio of skin colors on the men in the video.
2. That is shames all men.
3. That all masculinity is toxic.


This video in my perception was about the positive and good side of masculinity. For me the most powerful moment in the video is when a man is about to catcall a woman that is walking by and another man that seems to be his friend holds him back from moving forward and says 'Bro, not cool not cool' And the most powerful part that is spoken of Gillette is the statement "Because we, we believe in the best in men." 

The major points I take from the video;
1. That the objectification of all is on its way out.
2. Inclusiveness is on its way in.
3. Reaffirmation that it takes a whole community to raise up a responsible citizen.
4. Sometimes all it takes is a single person's actions to destroy or to mend.
5. Outdated blind acceptance of particle issues are no longer working or valid excuses for poor behavior.
6. That we ought to stand up for what is right.
7. That part of masculinity at large has been and continues to have a toxic affect.
8. That a much bigger part of masculinity is about integrity, accountability, and trying our best to do what is right in each situation.

It's not a call to perfection, but rather a call to admit imperfection and to help one another achieve a greater future. One that recognizes the competency of a person on the basis of the competency and not on gender.

We can do better than we have because the time is ripe for the conversations to be had that will cut deep into the heart of our person in an attempt to remove those parts of us that are failing each other and ourselves. Instant gratification is not a masculine concept, it's a human frailty that needs to be dealt with.