Why are men forced to be stoic and tough? Why can't we be allowed to relax?

Sexism and toxic masculinity are all about villainizing and devaluing traits that are seen as "feminine" - i.e. being sensitive, emotionally vulnerable and open, nurturing, affectionate, etc - while revering things that have been coded as "masculine" i.e. stoicism, aggression, confidence and risk taking. While we are all brainwashed to adhere to these gender norms/roles, many people tend to dwell on the harm they cause women without acknowledging the immense harm sexism is doing to men at the same time, including entire generations of men raised to believe they can't show emotion, be tender and compassionate, or have affectionate relationships with their friends. Fuck the system dude. Cry, hug your friends, giggle with delight when you see puppies, avoid violence, do whatever you want and surround yourself with people who support and accept you for who you are and not what society says you should be

/r/NoStupidQuestions Thread