5 Men Define Healthy Masculinity
We live in a society where different cultures exist, influencing our collective understanding of masculinity. Read more!
I named this newsletter “The Multicultural Man” because I navigate multiple cultures as part of my own identity and my understanding of masculinity. However, I also recognized that every man’s understanding of masculinity is shaped by his culture. We live in a society where different cultures exist, influencing our collective understanding of masculinity.
That’s why I love interviewing men from diverse backgrounds—to explore how culture and masculinity, particularly healthy masculinity, intertwine. Today, I want to highlight five men from various cultures and how they define healthy masculinity.
Mohammed Jibriel
For me, masculinity is connected to my spiritual being. It’s one thing that I have to understand every day. The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) said whoever knows himself knows his God. He spoke about being truthful, being trustworthy, being a person of good character. He also said you have to restrain yourself from food. I think that was a metaphoric way of saying that you have to restrain yourself from earthly desires like food, sex, wealth, and fame. He was talking about restraint, which to me, means you have to do a lot of spiritual work.
Amar Peterman
When I think of healthy masculinity, I think of Jesus. Jesus serves others in the way he puts his body physically between those who seek to cause harm and those who are victimized or marginalized by the broader community.
There is this story in the New Testament, where this woman is accused of adultery. She is thrown before Jesus. They are ready to stone her. Jesus stands between the stones that are about to be thrown at this women and the woman herself. He says that whoever is without sin cast the first stone. Each religious leader slowly puts their rock down and leaves.
Nick Kenny
You have to be assertive with certain things that you care about. If you have a family, protect your family and be there for the people you care about. In a public setting, stand up for what you believe in and stand up for your values. But, you also have to not get carried away with your assertions and your confidence. You have to be open to being wrong. That’s a big part about being masculine. You are always learning and reshaping yourself.
Matt Segil
My dad is an OBGYN, so he is more in touch with issues outside of the male sphere. When I think about healthy masculinity, it means thinking about people other than just men and not basing everything around men’s wants, needs, and desires. So, I grew up with that type of influence, which I appreciated.
Paul Hudson
Healthy masculinity allows you to hold up the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. This means living to make your neighbor’s life better. Having a generous heart. It’s a level of service without expecting anything in return.