A 10th-Grader’s Response to Andrew Tate
Graphic from GQ
Andrew Tate.
That’s a name that has been going around recently. And I won’t be subtle about it, I despise him. But why?
He has taken to preaching toxic masculinity to young men and boys.
He details how women are simply lesser beings, and how a man can not be feminine, but rather must be strong, tough, hardened. How a man must be ‘masculine.’
I just don’t agree with these views on masculinity—and I believe I can disprove these misconceptions on masculinity in just a few photos.
So here’s some fun history facts.
In both World War I and World War II, as well as many other wars, soldiers would wear dresses, and dress up for fun.
It didn’t mean anything, I didn’t mean these soldiers were gay. It didn’t mean anything was wrong with them—but it did mean they chose to do something that would bring joy to the people around them.
One group in World War II took it as far as to convert a barn to a stage for putting on shows, where they would wear dresses, dance and do pantomime performances.
It was widely considered an honour, and a large responsibility, to be a part of one of the performances. Many of the soldiers would spend months practicing.
They did this because it made them happy, because it gave them a chance to express themselves and have fun. And in such a stressful and difficult time, that is an incredible skill.
Now, another point to stress. People often see soldiers, and people in the military as masculine, strong, tough and hardened. These soldiers were no exception. They lived through horrific tragedies. It's not hard to imagine that they would have had to be strong and tough.
I feel as though this is a perfect example that a man doesn't need to fit into any expectations to be strong in themselves. It shows that a man can be as feminine he wants, and still be a ‘strong’ man: Femininity will never make a man weak.
So to any comments like ‘be a man,’ ‘toughen up,’ or ‘dress like you’re supposed to’…I say, I shall not! I shall dance, filled with joy. And that does not make me any less of a man.
A strong man can wear a dress, dance and play around, and will never be any less because of that.
The idea that a man needs to be strong, tough and not display any femininity is absurd.