I was asked by the folks at The Student Affairs Collective to write a quick blog post about an aspect of masculinity for their November #MenInSA series!
I decided to write about a topic that I love: music.
I expand upon my views of how mainstream music and its messages perpetuate harmful masculinities for men who may need something deeper in their music. So I explore the beauty and necessity of emotional music.
Click here to access the full blog!
Here is a quick preview:
"When I was in high school—and didn’t have the wherewithal to discuss my depression issues—I turned to music. I would ugly cry into the darkness of my parent’s bathroom mirror while listening to The Weak’s End, by Emery because they made my emotions and my feelings make sense.
Music made sure I didn’t feel alone.
Instead of trying to discuss my “struggles” with my parents or friends—seeing as I felt couldn’t because I didn’t want them to think any less of me—I retreated to music because I was afraid to share my emotions with people.
Music didn’t judge me for having feelings."
&
"I find that these mainstream radio messages also stifle male development. Naturally, men are always at different stages of development. But men aren’t taught how to question these messages.
So where is the space for men to question these messages?
Where can men go when they don’t want this lifestyle?
I say we create this space on our campuses.
Messages of mainstream music are just distractions so that men are kept from discussing the actual issues that may trouble them—possible depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and/or the loss of a loved one. So, instead of seeking support or intervention for their possible mental health issues, we have an allegiance of men repressing themselves further into oblivion."
See you all next time!
-Craig.
