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Summary

The article discusses the concept of toxic masculinity in the context of football, questioning why certain behaviors on the pitch are not seen as examples of toxic masculinity, despite their aggressive nature.

Abstract

The article "Patriarchy, Patriarchy (The Beautiful Game?)" delves into the complexities of toxic masculinity as it pertains to football. It opens with a humorous yet poignant observation about the masculine and toxic nature of patriarchy. The piece then defines toxic masculinity, citing cultural pressures that enforce specific behaviors in men and boys. The article uses a recent incident during a Manchester United FA Cup match, where Fulham manager Marco Silva and players Willian and Aleksandr Mitrovic were red-carded for aggressive behavior, to question why such conduct isn't labeled as toxic masculinity. It presents various justifications provided by fans and commentators, ranging from the nationality of those involved to the notion of robust debate not being a criminal offense. The article concludes with a satirical epilogue and links to related pieces on the topic, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of societal norms on behavior in sports.

Opinions

  • The article suggests that the concept of toxic masculinity is often dismissed or ignored, particularly in the context of sports like football.
  • There is a sentiment that the aggressive behaviors displayed by the Fulham manager and players could be indicative of toxic masculinity, yet these actions are often excused or rationalized.
  • The piece implies that the denial of toxic masculinity is a defense mechanism to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about societal norms and their impact on men's behavior.
  • The article subtly criticizes the tendency to attribute poor behavior to factors like nationality or competence, rather than acknowledging the influence of toxic masculinity.
  • It also touches on the idea that when men express their emotions in line with feminist ideals, they may still face ridicule or backlash, highlighting a double standard.
  • The use of humor and satire throughout the article conveys the author's opinion that the discussion around toxic masculinity in sports is often superficial and lacks genuine introspection.

Patriarchy, Patriarchy (The Beautiful Game?)

Photo: Getty. Footie fans celebrate no apparent link between behaviour on the pitch and behaviour off the pitch.

You know what the problem with patriarchy is? It’s kinda masculiney and toxicey. However what is toxic masculinity?

1st Man: Whatever it is, it don’t exist.

2nd Man: Why doesn’t it?

1st Man [clenching fist]: What did you just say?

2nd Man: Er….Nothing….

“Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression. Toxic masculinity involves cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And it’s likely this affects all boys and men in some fashion.” — verywellmind.com

What is denial? A river in Egypt.

A person, who wasn’t at all wise once said, “If you pretend long enough that something don’t exist it won’t exist long enough to need pretending for.”

How do you defend the indefensible? How do you explain away the obvious? Apparently it’s very easy.

Yesterday, in the space of 60 seconds during Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Fulham, the Fulham manager Marco Silva and players Willian and Aleksandr Mitrovic were red carded. Silva was handed a red for throwing a water bottle, Willian was handed a red for handball (pun intended) and Mitrovic was handed a red for shoving the Referee’s left arm.

Coincidentally, both teams play in the Premier League, which is the highest level of the men’s English football league system, and widely considered the best league in Europe, presumably by a bunch of men who coincidentally are football fans and English.

Anyway, the Question: Why were yesterday’s incidents, involving Silva and Mitrovic, not examples of toxic masculinity?

The answers:

(A). Nationality

All those involved were foreign. So it’s nothing to do with nothing.

(B). Competence

Somebody somewhere apparently said that a lot of refs wear contact lenses cos of bad eyesight. I’m just saying.

(C). Feminism

Fems tell men to express their emotions, but when they do they get slagged.

(D). Bias

Somebody somewhere apparently said that the ref were from Manchester. I’m just saying.

(E). Discussion

Since when, is robust debate, a criminal crime?

(F). Context

Some might call these sort of incidents simply handbags at dawn. Speaks volumes.

Epilogue

1st Person: What’s your favourite football game of all time?

Me: Whataboutery.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Masculinity
Toxic Masculinity
Men
Football
Feminism
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