The Mindful Femme hosts Abby and Casey continue the conversation on Toxic Masculinity with a new host in the final episode of this two part series. This week, the team speaks with Ben Roston, a close friend and insightful guest on the growing up battling society's masculine expectations. Ben gives some history on the evolution of his relationship with his masculinity, advice for boys out there trying to understand their own identity, being an emotionally expressive man, and more. Casey and Abby also take some time to share some conclusive thoughts on how society can discourage the perpetuation of toxic ideals for men. 

Make sure to also listen in to part 1 of this episode, where The Mindful Femme had a conversation with special guest Cam Molina, and discussed the history of the term "toxic masculinity."

Follow Ben Roston on Instagram @roston_the_road_again

Ben's Resources

To watch:

The Mask You Live In documentary on Amazon

My Little Pony on Hulu

To read:

Academic Papers

Sculos (2017) - Who’s Afraid of Toxic Masculinity

Elliot (2018) - Challenging toxic masculinity in schools and society

• “Toxic masculinity, masculinity based on simplified norms and understandings of traditionally masculine characteristics such as violence, physical strength, suppression of emotion and devaluation of women (Connell, 2005; Pascoe, 2005; Posadas, 2017) to flourish unfettered.”

Zalewski and Parpart (1998) - The “Man” Question in International Relations

• “Rather than highlighting the absences and presence of women in the theories and practices of international relations, the authors concentrate on questioning the practices of masculinities, the hegemony of men, and the subject of "man." In this way, they hope to destabilize the field in ways that "adding women and stirring" has not.”

Lighter Reads

Tracy E. Gilchrist - What is Toxic Masculinity?

Planned Parenthood - What are gender roles and stereotypes?