# data[].attributes.body
For me, squashing toxic masculinity is important to me because not only is it damaging to women and the LGBTQ community, but also to men themselves. As a psychology major, I care deeply about the men's mental health crisis, and I strongly believe societal structures like these contribute heavily to it. Growing up, I've watched how the important men in my life have to conform to standards being pushed on them, which is suppressing emotions, distancing themselves from anything too girly, and acting tough.. Even in romantic relationships, just watching my own and my female friend's relationships with a large number of men, it is so obvious how hard it is to communicate and grow a deep connection with men who are unable or unwilling to show emotion or communicate.

# data[].attributes.body
Psychology Today did a good job describing what toxic masculinity is, which is, according to their definition a set of rules that make a man masculine and worthy of society's respect. These rules include:

1. A man should suffer physical and emotional pain in silence.

2. A man shouldn’t seek warmth, comfort, or tenderness.

3. A man should only have the emotions of bravery and anger. Any other emotions are weaknesses. Weakness is unacceptable.

4. A man shouldn’t depend on anyone. Asking for help is also weak.

5. A man should always want to win, whether in sports, work, relationships, or sex.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toxic masculinity is the reason why women don’t feel safe in the streets.

# data[].attributes.headline
Relevance: Men's mental health is struggling statisically 

# data[].attributes.subject
Relevance: Men's mental health is struggling statisically 

# data[].attributes.body
"A recent review found that signs indicative of increased suicidal risk in men include ‘desperation and frustration in the face of unsolvable problems, helplessness, worthlessness, statements of suicidal intent."

"First, men are simply less likely to experience depression, for unclear reasons. Second, men are reluctant to acknowledge depressive symptoms due to aspects of male socialization."

"Unhealthy coping skills include: denying suffering, ‘sucking it up, isolation, or reducing social connectedness in times of distress."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover all statistics and data on LGBTQ+ in the U.S. now on statista.com!

# data[].attributes.body
the face of the increase in toxic masculine ideals in male Gen Zs.

has accumulated millions of followers and views, despite being accused of sex trafficking.

this video shows clips of some of his opinions on women, mental health, and how men should act.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Andrew Tate’s Most Controversial Opinions!!!

# data[].attributes.body
"Throughout most of history, societies have held men as superior to women and, as a result, offer men more mobility, agency, and rights."

"Before World War II... these traits that characterize masculinity included strength, bravery, toughness, and even aggression."

"These values would be tested and rebelled against as a result of the hippie and countercultural movements that spread through America like wildfire in the 1960s."

"As a result, men began growing long hair, which at the time in American society was only typical for women. In addition, the hippie movement did not value toughness and aggression the way traditional values around masculinity did."

# data[].attributes.body
Therapy practices

"Identify and treat psychological distress precipitated by gender role socialization."

Policy

Education

specifically parents to create an emotionally safe environment for their children specifically men

Public health campaigns

"Create marketing campaigns designed to modify social and cultural norms that endorse the unhealthy male code and consequent violence."

Societal roles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to prevent harmful masculinity and violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shifting away from negative masculine constructs to promote a healthy masculine identity in childhood can help prevent the expression of violence in adolescence and adulthood

# data[].attributes.body
As stated before, this causes many mental health problems

depression, substance abuse, emotional dysregulation, etc.

Interpersonal Relationships

uneven power dynamics, social aggression, domestic violence, etc.

Societal impacts

aggressive manners towards women, LGBTQ community, etc.

creates an ideology that men should dominate in society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Some People Have Toxic Masculinity and What to Do to Fix It

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toxic masculinity is based on an exaggerated version of masculinity. It normalizes self-importance, aggression toward others, and dominance by the male sex.

# data[].attributes.body
A new political figure who has preached toxic masculine ideals despite never being elected.

Has strong and harmful opinions on: The LGBTQ community, trauma, therapy, and what makes a man a man.

Is known for having bully-like behavior and extremely right views.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
As an expert in men and masculinity – here’s my advice to Elon Musk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Right now, the world’s richest man appears to be in the most precarious position of his life, writes Dr Stephen M Whitehead

# data[].attributes.body
American Psychological Association. “Harmful Masculinity.” APA, https://www.apa.org/topics/men-boys/harmful-masculinity.

Brown, Léa. “Return of the Alpha Male: Why Toxic Masculinity Is Gaining Prominence.” RFI, 20 Mar. 2025, https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20250320-return-of-the-alpha-male-why-toxic-masculinity-is-gaining-prominence.

Deen, Andrew. “How Today’s Masculinity Evolved Throughout American History.” The Good Men Project, 17 Sept. 2022, https://goodmenproject.com/the-good-life/men-and-masculinity/how-todays-masculinity-evolved-throughout-american-history/.

Lehmiller, Justin. “What Is Toxic Masculinity?” Psychology Today, 22 Mar. 2021, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-sex-and-relationships/202103/what-is-toxic-masculinity?msockid=005cadd9bc5b6bd83227b931bd496a21.

McCarthy, Niall. “What Is Toxic Masculinity—and Why Experts Say It's Harmful.” Health, 25 Oct. 2022, https://www.health.com/toxic-masculinity-8673022.

Murray, Emma. “Crossbow Killer Kyle Clifford Was ‘Radicalised by Andrew Tate’s Toxic Masculinity.’” LBC, 12 July 2024, https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/crossbow-killer-kyle-clifford-andrew-tate-murder/.

Ogrodniczuk, John S. “Toxic Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment in Male Patients.” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 63, no. 7, 2018, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0706743718766052.

The Representation Project. The Mask You Live In. YouTube, uploaded by The Representation Project, 8 Jan. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5aJFioY1pc.

Younis, Sophia. “Toxic Masculinity Is Thriving in Elon Musk’s Twitter—and That Should Worry Us All.” The Independent, 19 Jan. 2024, https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/elon-musk-twitter-x-trump-toxic-masculinity-b2595017.html.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cause and Controversy: in increase in toxic masculinity recently:

# data[].attributes.subject
Cause and Controversy: in increase in toxic masculinity recently:

# data[].attributes.body
Why??

social media is a big source of education for dating

unhealthy role models appear

political rhetoric of what masculinity is

influential politicians such as Donald Trump calling for "anti woke" America

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Return of the alpha male: Why toxic masculinity is gaining prominence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toxic masculinity peddled by online influencers is becoming increasingly prominent, experts say, buoyed by the resurgence of far-right ideology and a virulent backlash against feminism.

# data[].attributes.headline
Specific example of violence due to toxic masculine figures:

# data[].attributes.subject
Specific example of violence due to toxic masculine figures:

# data[].attributes.body
This case shows the dangers of messages spread in mainstream media.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Clifford searched Andrew Tate the night before the murders. Picture: Alamy

Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford "turned to poster boy for misogynists" Andrew Tate the night before he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mother and her sister, prosecutors have said.

Clifford was found guilty last week of raping Louise Hunt during a knife and crossbow attack that killed her, her mother Carol and sister Hannah.

Speaking ahead of his sentencing today, prosecutors said Clifford turned to self-described misogynists and influencer Andrew Tate on the night before the triple murder.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said one of Louise Hunt's friends had seen the killer "behaving in a rude manner" and had observed him "putting on a video of Andrew Tate".
Read more: 'Coward' crossbow killer Kyle Clifford refuses to face justice as he hides in cell during sentencing

Hannah, Carol and Louise Hunt. Picture: Facebook

Ms Morgan said: "It was a video which showed animals who had been drugged.

"She asked the defendant why he was watching this - he said that it was funny."

Following his conviction last week, it was found Clifford had watched Andrew Tate videos on the night before the killings.

Tate, who is facing rape and human trafficking charges, has been credited by many for the stark rise in misogyny amongst many young men, with his content often calling for a return to traditional, conservative values.

Ms Morgan added: "As my Lord correctly noted... Andrew Tate can properly be described as a poster boy for misogynists - a poster boy for those who view women as possessions to be controlled.

Andrew Tate is wanted in the UK on sex trafficking charges. Picture: Getty

"In that context, and in light of all the other background material, it is no coincidence, the prosecution submit, that it was Andrew Tate that the defendant turned to the night before he would go off to commit these acts of violence against women."

Cowardly Clifford refused to come to court to be sentenced today.

The judge didn't permit an order to bring him to court because he is in a wheelchair, paralysed from the chest down.

Ahead of sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Joel Bennathan said: "If he doesn't have the courage to show up, so be it".

Mr Justice Bennathan told the court on Tuesday, at the start of Clifford's sentencing hearing, that the defendant was asked to attend the sentencing hearing in person or by video-link but "refused".

The judge told Cambridge Crown Court: "I have declined on the basis that the idea of a man in a wheelchair being put in restraints and potentially disrupting these proceedings... is simply not appropriate or suitable."

Kyle Clifford. Picture: Supplied

Clifford did not appear at the rape trial at any stage - either in person or via a link from prison.

Clifford is facing life behind bars.

Prosecutors previously said Clifford became "enraged" when 25-year-old Louise ended their 18-month relationship - leading him to "carefully" plan the July 9 murders.

Clifford gained access to the family home by deceiving 61-year-old Carol Hunt, the wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, before stabbing her to death in a "brutal knife attack".

After killing Mrs Hunt, the defendant then "lay in wait" for an hour for Louise to enter the house, before restraining, raping and ultimately murdering her with a crossbow.

He then fatally shot 28-year-old Hannah Hunt when she returned to the property in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Crossbow killer 'turned to poster boy for misogynists' Andrew Tate the night before triple murder, court hears

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford "turned to poster boy for misogynists" Andrew Tate the night before he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mother and her sister, prosecutors have said.