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Fellas, is it feminine to respect others?

What makes someone a “real man” is up for debate. Is it having an expensive car? Being great at football? Spending your weekends fishing and drinking beer? Or looking down on artists, vegetarians and anyone else who hasn’t pumped their veins full of toxic masculinity?

We all know clinging onto rigid, outdated ideas of what it means to be a man is ridiculous. Well, most of us know that. But for some reason, there are still people out there trying to gatekeep masculinity, so today, we’re calling them out. From making up rules about what kinds of cars men are allowed to have to claiming that guys aren’t allowed to take naps (We all get sleepy, don’t we?!), down below, we’ve gathered some of the most arbitrary restrictions placed upon men that have been shared in Gatekeeping subreddit

Be sure to upvote the posts you find most absurd, and don’t forget to press the button hard and fast. Just like a real man would! Then, if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article highlighting how ridiculous toxic masculinity is, check out this story next!

#2

Yeah Screw Modern Safety Regulations!! I'd Rather Die An Unrecognizable Heap Of Flesh Tangled In A 2 Ton Machine Than Risk My Masculinity Being Questioned!

Yeah Screw Modern Safety Regulations!! I'd Rather Die An Unrecognizable Heap Of Flesh Tangled In A 2 Ton Machine Than Risk My Masculinity Being Questioned!

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also like a "real man" you won't know what killed you as you don't clean your windows.

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Nobody likes to be placed in a box. But unfortunately, society loves to put everyone in boxes. Men might have more privilege than women in many places, but that doesn’t make them immune to the harm of toxic masculinity. The idea that a woman must be a certain way works in the opposite direction as well. Men are expected to be strong, take up space, be unafraid of anything, be unemotional and apparently, they’re not allowed to enjoy self-care or anything relaxing. We know that guys are just as capable as women of being sensitive, emotional, artistic, and loving, but some people seem to ignore that idea and equate masculinity with loud cars that pollute the earth and eating mass quantities of meat.

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My partner self identifies as a “soy boy” because we don’t eat meat, and instead eat a lot of tofu and tempeh, but this phrase has been used as an insult by many men who seem to be a bit less confident in their masculinity. The idea that eating soy products makes someone less of a man or that it lowers testosterone levels (it doesn't) is just one of the arbitrary beliefs placed on men to try to keep them in a box and narrow the definition of masculinity. This list is full of similar examples, so we hope you get a kick out of reading them, but it’s also a bit painful to realize that some people actually posted these ideas unironically…

#4

You Simply Cannot Be Jacked And Smart At The Same Time. It Doesn't Work That Way

You Simply Cannot Be Jacked And Smart At The Same Time. It Doesn't Work That Way

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#5

Gatekeeping Masculinity As It Relates To... Car Features

Gatekeeping Masculinity As It Relates To... Car Features

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Now, don’t get me wrong. I hope it goes without saying that it is perfectly fine to be a guy who really does love football, cars, fishing, drinking beers, fixing cars, eating steak and working out. Plenty of people enjoy these things, regardless of their gender! But the point is that we have to understand that these are not gender-specific interests. Plenty of women know how to fix up a car, and plenty of guys don’t. That doesn’t change their gender identity one bit. And we can’t look down on anyone else who doesn’t share the same interests we do. We’re all free to choose how we like to spend our time, but deciding to expend energy shaming others is just a waste of time.

Just like strict gender roles and expectations can have a negative impact on women, the same can be said for men. Toxic masculinity is often used to perpetuate ideas such as “boys will be boys”, allowing boys and men to get away with inappropriate behavior because that’s just how they are! They can’t help it! The pressure to look and act a certain way can also have devastating effects on the mental health of boys and men. When they’re taught they can’t share their emotions or open up, it’s easy for their internal struggles to go unnoticed and unaddressed.  

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#7

Why Drive A Small, Affordable, Efficient Car When Bigger = Betterer ??

Why Drive A Small, Affordable, Efficient Car When Bigger = Betterer ??

ThatGrimshaw Report

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Running costs, efficiency, easier to park, easier to navigate traffic. Where do I begin?

SH Holmes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because I don't need to compensate for anything. I also like people to be able to see past my car.

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KJ
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a woman, why are you wearing a hat! Both equally ridiculous questions.

The crushinator
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto that I could afford. Should I, therefore, be made the subject of fun?

A Bobcat From Philly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a family to feed and I'd rather a small vehicle and great food than a small d**k and large truck. Hey, if you're that rich a*****e, be my guest but I make do with what I have and for my family.

T. Jasper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because real men don't associate a car/truck with the size of their pen*s.

Cat enthusiast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally every man trying to be “manly” drives a truck that takes up like 5 parking spots

Blackheart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every morning, on my way to work, I meet a huge guy driving a hot pink car. Don't know who he is, but I'm guessing he gets good gas mileage

StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"As a woman, why are you driving a "penis extension"?" would be my clapback.

Tami_DE
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because small cars are fun! And when they're underpowered that just means I can press the pedal to the metal without breaking the law!

nicholas nolan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because a short wheelbase and light weight are FUN you fake gearhead.

Sean Sean
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because my d**k and balls are so heavy I can't climb into a truck.

Jesse Corder
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because my sense of self does not rely on accumulation of material goods.

axle f
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, it turns out my penis is pretty fine, so i don't have to over compensate. maybe you shud try *not* banging big car/big truck over compensators? just sayin"...

Rali Meyer
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can drive what i like. Like others read what they like. The real polluters are the ones who "only driving from A to B". Take a cab. But fear not. I got myself an airplane now to have fun.

Gary Geracci
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because, I like to save money and have extra coin in my pocket at my destination. Besides, being Small and Nimble I can avoid your jacked up truck a*s!

Buttered Toast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a man, why do you insist on working 40+ hours a week for it to all go into your gas tank just so you can make it back for the next 40+ hours.

Oscar Turing
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus isn't buying a version of a thing that is extra expensive because it has capabilities I don't need kind of....I don't know.....dumb?

Terra Raizor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seeing how a women said this; Why are you posting a question and not making that man a sandwich? Oh? Because you're an individual and not limited to a box of stereotypes? Then shut up!

Nesbitt Liz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My best friend sitting in here watching it with me and he told me to say in his words "because I am not a lazy a*s that doesn't want to kill the planet I drive a small car to save my planet" oh so I know he also says to say this "I also drive smaller vehicle because gas is f*****g expensive"

Amanda Hunter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd hazard a guess that they're comfortable with their masculinity.

Pizzagirl 91
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband (1,92m/6'4") once got a Smart car from the repair shop for 2 days when our car had broken down. Driving around with my bear of a husband in it, it really seemed like a clown car... I'm so sad I don't have any pictures.

Dingooo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Answer: Because my kids are all grown up. Now it's your turn to grow up.

DonnerDinnerParty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh, how did it seem worse when I saw the person posting this was a woman

pusheen buttercup
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a great way to weed out who's going to be good with money. The crummy ones talk like this

Radom Weeb (she/her)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AS A MAN GUN=FUN BIG CARS NO TOATSY A*S CHEEKS NO AIRBAGS AND LETS GO DRINK BEER BURPPPPP

Steven
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How much interior volume does a Corvette, 911 Turbo, or even a Viper have? It ain't how it shows, it's how it goes.

Jp@nda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lives in a big city where parking is limited and he doesn't need a land yacht to prove his masculinity?

Bernd Herbert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a womna, why do you ask dumb a*s question publicly on the internet?

robin aldrich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband Owner of macho pickup truck borrows my small hatchback because it's much better on gas for his commute to work

Sam Lin
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine driving a trailer truck to a drive-through to buy a lunch .🤦🏻‍♂️

DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... to compensate for my impractically large interleg equipment? Or because it's fun. Or because a lot of reasons. Large cars NEVER are fun, unless they're fast and you're on the Autobahn - size doesn't matter much there, more how streamlined it is, and how well it goes straight at high speeds.

Dana Ondráčková
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Theyll all park their Tiny cars on the hood of his bigass car because histun out of gass And is Just a garden decoration

Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a supposedly intelligent human being, why do you judge people by the car that they drive?

Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I miss having a smaller vehicle, but I bought what I could afford so I'm sick with a used 3rd row seating suv that gets better mileage than I expected, but still not great

Kevin J. Henning
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you looked at the prices of American pick up trucks lately? For the cost of one I could put a deposit on a small house...maybe.

Knox Warner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my girlfriends used to complain about the size of my cars. They were sports cars. We didn't last.

Just Jeff
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

because my d**k size isn't associated with my vehicle size.

DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are you not? Small cars are awesome. When everyone else was struggling to park in the city, me and my 99 Civic Coupe hatch was fitting between dividers and spaces you'd dream to use.

R Dennis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because my sense of self worth isn't tied to hauling around a bunch of unnecessary weight... also why I wouldn't deal with you.

The crushinator
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am just happy to have a car to be honest, i don't give a flying fart how big it is as long as it works.

Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I drove an Ariel atom for a while, not manly enough apparently

Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mehhh the man does have a point there, i always drove hatchbacks and truth be told i love an angry little agile car, but then i bought a Pickup truck, and driving it was só much fun, on the otherhand, parking it, maintenance, tires, etc where sheer expencive hell.....

KEVIN HOLCOMB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a full size truck that rides better than any car I’ve owned. I’m the guy my friends call when it’s time to haul something they can’t get in their cute small cars can’t. I drive it cause it’s my choice.

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Let’s Go Brandon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because I feel bigger in it. Also why unmarried a really short woman. I’m not tall but it’s nice to feel tall sometimes.

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#8

My Masculinity Is Defined By My Inability To Read

My Masculinity Is Defined By My Inability To Read

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#9

Loud Cars Are The Peak Of Masculinity

Loud Cars Are The Peak Of Masculinity

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“Men tend to keep so much bottled up inside. This includes all the traumas and heart-breaking moments. Eventually there has to be a release. And too often that is in an explosive way,” says Ron Blake, a social justice activist and public speaker. When men aren’t taught how to express their emotions, they can become overwhelmed easily when they don’t know what to do with their feelings. This can lead to expressions of physical violence, such as sexual violence, domestic abuse, gun violence or physical dominance. When kept on the inside, these undealt feelings often manifest in depression, addiction or even suicide. It’s dangerous for everyone to impose rigid views of masculinity.

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#10

Napping Is A Female Thing

Napping Is A Female Thing

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Alyza
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my dad, who has been happily married to my mom for thirty years, just went to the bedroom take a nap. poor mom's in for a surprise when he comes out

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#11

Apparently How You Eat Your Steak Determines Your Level Of Masculinity

Apparently How You Eat Your Steak Determines Your Level Of Masculinity

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Serial pacifist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just bite on live cattle grazing. Tarzan is how hardware store employees refer to me.

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While men and women are both prone to struggling with mental health issues, men are far more likely to die by suicide and far less likely to utilize mental health services. So what should we be doing to combat this toxic masculinity? According to Mens Group, it’s important to first identify your role in these gender norms and what beliefs you hold that you want to challenge. “If you were abusive in your relationships, you need to learn better coping mechanisms and cope with anger,” Mens Group explains. “You can only find a way forward by first understanding where you are. It starts with self-examining your behavior and identifying areas that require positive change.”

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#13

Masculinity Gatekeeping

Masculinity Gatekeeping

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Dan Holden
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What does it mean if we wear your underwear while watching football?

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#15

Gatekeeping Skin Masculinity

Gatekeeping Skin Masculinity

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Karl Baxter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

30 years ago, the only people with tattoos could be roughly divided into the military and criminals. When your grandmother gets inked, it’s a sign that tattoos are now about as countercultural and rebellious as wearing red socks.

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Combating toxic masculinity will also likely lead to some difficult or uncomfortable conversations. “This is achievable by talking to people of the opposite gender identities and expressions,” Mens Group notes. “You need to talk about gender biases concerning masculinity. This will give you an understanding of how your behavior affects people of the opposite gender.”

“Men need to learn not to get defensive when having these difficult conversations. The aim of the talks should be to seek understanding, which helps to facilitate positive change.”

#16

Fishing = Peak Masculinity

Fishing = Peak Masculinity

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#18

You Are Not A Man If You Have Blonde Hair, Apparently

You Are Not A Man If You Have Blonde Hair, Apparently

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually pisses me off. My dad was naturally blonde. He was Swedish by genetics/heritage. He was a good man and a great father. Eff you and your idiotic, nonsensical prejudices, Emmy.

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It’s important that we educate young boys that there really is no “box” they need to fit into. It’s all arbitrary. They can make their own decisions about what they are interested in and how they want to express themselves, and we should never make them feel guilty or looked down upon for showing emotions. Teach boys to help out around the house and in the kitchen just as much as their sisters, and teach them to respect all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, interests, etc. Essentially, combating toxic masculinity should be as simple as raising boys and girls equally and never shaming boys for being themselves. But unfortunately, due to the way society currently is, it takes a bit of correcting past prejudices.   

#19

Fragile Masculinity

Fragile Masculinity

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Follo00
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is it, that so many of this post, try to offend men by comparing them to women? Like, F you! The misogyny is crazy high.

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#20

Ever Had Your Masculinity And Eating Habits Gatekept By A Bottle Of Cheap Hot Sauce?

Ever Had Your Masculinity And Eating Habits Gatekept By A Bottle Of Cheap Hot Sauce?

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V
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Urgh, most of these type of sauces just taste like corn syrup and capsaicin with liquid smoke flavour.

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#21

Gatekeeping Fatherhood, Masculinity, All Sorts Really

Gatekeeping Fatherhood, Masculinity, All Sorts Really

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The Book of Man also notes that when fighting toxic masculinity, one great step is to dare to be vulnerable with your male friends, to show them that it’s okay and even welcomed. “Show strength by crying. Do this in the knowledge that all men go through emotional difficulties. Daily!” they write. “It’s true that if one man shows it’s okay to do something, we, as pack animals, tend to follow. So open up yourself, and become that person your friends open up to too. Men tend to either keep emotional traumas to themselves or go for female support. While the latter is a wonderful thing, surely we can make a decision to serve that support role to our buddies too. But it takes a hardy soul to stick their neck above the parapet first to see if we’re in the clear to do so. Be that soul.”

#22

Gate Keeping Masculinity

Gate Keeping Masculinity

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My father failed at life and I can drive manual. Wonder where that falls on the scale.

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#23

Gatekeeping Masculinity

Gatekeeping Masculinity

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#24

Gatekeeping Masculinity

Gatekeeping Masculinity

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And don’t stop questioning why things are the way they are. Because often, there’s not a great reason. “It’s a bloodless revolution,” The Book of Man writes. “A revolution in the head, but not in the inward looking way it was in the Sixties, because you want to effect lasting change, and not be naked all the time. Question the way we are brought up, question the systems of power, question how you are being controlled, question all thinking about being a man. Seek some answers for yourself and take responsibility. The end to toxic masculinity has to be started by men so it becomes socially unacceptable. Let’s start the change now.”

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#27

Imagine Gatekeeping Shoes As A Sign Of Masculinity

Imagine Gatekeeping Shoes As A Sign Of Masculinity

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have people who post this stuff actually worn a suit and tie for over 8 hours a day? I hate ties with a passion

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According to this list, men must have beards, have loud, large cars, be great at fishing, play sports, must eat meat, must not recycle, must not wear sneakers, must never take naps, must have tattoos, must not have an iPhone, along with much more… It is exhausting even reading this list, let alone trying to live in a way that conforms to these silly ideas. I hope all of you pandas know that, regardless of your gender, you can behave however you like. As long as you respect others, how you dress and what hobbies you choose to have are completely up to you. A real man is someone who identifies as a man! Keep upvoting the posts you find most comical, and then if you’re interested in reading another article discussing toxic masculinity, look no further than right here.  

#28

Being A Man

Being A Man

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#30

Because Driving What You Enjoy Is Shameful

Because Driving What You Enjoy Is Shameful

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#31

This Man Has A Comic Book Character Pfp, Btw

This Man Has A Comic Book Character Pfp, Btw

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#32

So Much Bs Toxic Masculinity In This, Glad I'm Not A "Real Man"

So Much Bs Toxic Masculinity In This, Glad I'm Not A "Real Man"

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Mohsie Supposie
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I thought real men were supposed to have beards, and that shaving was "gay"! Now they say to use straight shavers, and an e-book! Aren't e-books "gay" too? I'm really confused now on how to be a real man! It's making me giddy!

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#33

Gatekeeping Whatever Tf This Is

Gatekeeping Whatever Tf This Is

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Matthew Thompson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bolt from an AR-15 / M16. Any man or woman who spent time in the military recognizes it (and has spent hours cleaning it!)

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