Why Does The World Not Care About Men’s Mental Health? - George TheTinMen

Added: Mar 22, 2024

In this podcast episode, George TheTinMen discusses various social media phenomena and online communities that highlight the double standards and toxic behaviors present in society.

Are We Dating The Same Guy

One of the main topics discussed is the phenomenon of "Are We Dating the Same Guy," which is a series of private Facebook groups where women share information about men they are dating or have dated. Initially intended to help women make informed decisions while dating, these groups have evolved into spaces where women share personal information, photos, and even engage in loyalty tests to track their partners. This behavior has led to instances of doxxing, humiliation, and even suicides, highlighting the toxic nature of these online communities.

Bad Girls Advice

Another topic discussed is the existence of online platforms like Bad Girls Advice and Jezebel, where women brag about physically abusing their male partners. This behavior is seen as a form of empowerment and strength, showcasing a double standard in society where violence against men is often glorified or dismissed. The guest expresses concern over the lack of respect for men's privacy and the normalization of abusive behavior towards men in these online spaces.

Leaking of Drake Photos

The guest also touches upon the social psychology surrounding the leaking of Drake's explicit photos, highlighting the double standard in how society reacts to the privacy violations of men compared to women. While there is outrage and calls for action when women's nudes are leaked, there is a lack of similar response when it happens to men. This disparity in reactions reflects a deeper societal issue regarding the respect and privacy of individuals, regardless of gender.

Supportive Environments For Men

Furthermore, the guest delves into the concept of male spaces and the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for men to discuss their experiences and mental health. He emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding when addressing issues faced by men, such as loneliness, isolation, and mental health struggles. By acknowledging the unique challenges men face and providing spaces for open dialogue, society can work towards addressing these issues in a more constructive and supportive manner.

Gendered Definitions of Rape

George brings up the issue of gendered definitions of rape, particularly in the UK where the law defines rape as the penetration of a penis. This definition excludes the possibility of women committing rape, leading to a skewed understanding of sexual violence. He highlights the importance of having gender-neutral definitions of rape to accurately capture the prevalence of sexual assault against men.

Male Victims of Domestic Violence

The conversation shifts to the topic of male victims of domestic violence, a subject that is often overlooked in discussions about intimate partner violence. George discusses the challenges faced by men who experience abuse in relationships, including societal expectations around masculinity and the lack of support available to male victims. He emphasizes the need to address the issue of male suicides as a result of domestic violence, which is a significant but often ignored aspect of the problem.

Parental Manipulation

George brings up the issue of parental alienation, where one parent manipulates a child to turn against the other parent. This form of abuse can have long-lasting effects on both the parent and the child involved. He highlights the need to address this type of abuse and the impact it can have on families.

Justice System and Gender Bias

The conversation also touches upon the gender bias in the justice system when it comes to cases of domestic violence. George shares examples of cases where women have committed violent acts against men and received lenient sentences or minimal consequences. He points out the need for a more equitable approach to addressing domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable regardless of gender.

Reproductive Rights for Men

The discussion continues with a reflection on reproductive rights for men, particularly in the context of pro-choice discussions. George highlights the lack of reproductive rights for men after conception, as they are often not given a choice in decisions regarding parenthood. He emphasizes the importance of considering men's perspectives and rights in discussions around reproductive choices and family planning.

He mentions the concept of paper abortion or voluntary parental surrender, which would allow men to forfeit all privileges and responsibilities to a child they do not want. He believes that giving men more choice in these matters could lead to better outcomes for both men and children.

Custody Rights

He also delves into the topic of custody rights, highlighting the need for a presumption of joint child custody to level the playing field for both parents in custody battles. George points out the disparities in rights for unmarried fathers in the UK and emphasizes the importance of equal rights for both parents in raising children.

Body Dysmorphia Among Men

The conversation then shifts to body image issues faced by men, with George discussing the rise of male body dysmorphia and the extreme measures some men take to alter their bodies. He criticizes singer Billie Eilish for her comments on men not facing criticism for their bodies, highlighting the societal pressures and insecurities men experience regarding their physical appearance.

Hiring Discrimination Against Men

George also touches on hiring discrimination against men, citing a study that found men are more likely to face bias in female-dominated industries. He challenges the notion that women are judged more harshly for their sexual history, pointing out that men also face scrutiny in this regard.

Advice Given to Men

When discussing the advice given to men by both the left and the right, George notes that the left often treats men as defective women, while the right may reinforce outdated notions of masculinity. He advocates for helping men find purpose and meaning outside traditional gender roles, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and nuanced approach to men's issues.

Comparison of Female Genital Mutilation and Circumcision

George discusses the comparison between Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and male circumcision. He points out that both procedures involve the removal of similar biological tissues, such as the clitoral hood in FGM and the foreskin in circumcision. He questions the double standards and hypocrisy surrounding circumcision, which is widely accepted while FGM is condemned. He highlights the need to address circumcision within the context of trans-affirming surgery.

Sexual Assault in Men's Prisons

George sheds light on the issue of sexual assault in American men's prisons, where over 900,000 cases have been reported. He criticizes the lack of attention given to this problem and compares it to the focus on safety in women's prisons. He highlights the disparity in how male victims of sexual assault are often overlooked and not included in discussions about prison safety.

Biphobia

George introduces the concept of biphobia which refers to the dislike or repulsion towards bisexual individuals. He discusses the different attitudes towards bisexual men and women, noting that some women exhibit biphobia towards bisexual men. George highlights the stereotypes and prejudices faced by bisexual men, including being labeled as dirty or secretly gay.

State of Men's Advocacy

George reflects on the current state of men's advocacy and the progress being made in raising awareness about men's issues. He mentions the push for a Minister for Men in the UK and the increasing recognition of the need to address men's challenges. He discusses the challenges faced in advocating for men's rights within the political landscape. He criticizes the politicking and game-playing that often hinder progress in addressing men's issues. He emphasizes the importance of holding politicians accountable and making demands for change to ensure that men's rights are not overlooked.

Personal Reflections

George shares his personal views on advocacy and the importance of raising awareness about men's issues. He expresses his commitment to making a difference and challenging the stigma surrounding men's advocacy. He acknowledges the discomfort and resistance faced in discussing sensitive topics but remains dedicated to promoting compassion and understanding for men and boys.

Call to Action

George encourages listeners to engage in awareness-raising campaigns and support initiatives that address men's issues. He emphasizes the need for more people to join the advocacy efforts and make a positive impact in promoting equality and justice for men and boys.

Videos

Full episode

Episode summary