Breaking the 'Ideal Man Box' myth: Male body image issues and weight of toxic masculinity

"Boys don't cry" to "Men don't do domestic chores": the males in society are constantly pressured to conform to the 'Ideal Man Box'.

This 'box' is the method by which society reinforces the stereotypical ways a man should behave. Men are expected to have a muscular build, not show emotions, be in 'control' of their partner, etc. Growing up listening to these comments conditions them in a certain way, which instils a notion of toxic masculinity from a young age.

Social environment conditions men to function in a certain manner. "Locker room talk" is a slang used to describe the conversations between men/boys in the absence of women, usually boasting about their 'sexual conquests', which glorifies toxic masculinity and chauvinism.

One pressing issue that is often brushed under the carpet due to the circumstances created is body image issues among males.

WION reached out to an expert to learn more about this problem and the secrecy and social stigma attached to it. Mansi Poddar, a trauma-informed psychotherapist said, "Teens/ preteens/ young males in their 20s and gym rats who have always had an attachment to a certain body shape" are the ones most vulnerable to body image issues.

Impact of childhood experiences on body image

According to Poddar, a traumatic childhood and not having an ideal physique while growing up has a significant impact on the body image of boys.

Young boys who grow up in an environment where they are constantly picked on due to their size develop a preoccupation with their bodies, which adversely impacts their future.

Furthermore, the influence of media also plays a distinct role in boys developing body image issues. Young boys grow up idolising Superman, Batman, Spiderman, etc. All of them have perfectly chiselled bodies and well-defined abs. This instils a false image in their minds that to be a man means to have a body like theirs.

Muscle Dysmorphia- Body image disorder in males

Muscle Dysmorphia, also known as Bigorexia, is a body dysmorphic disorder which triggers an obsession with one's body not being big or muscular enough. Men who go through this engage in extensive workout routines and take supplements and steroids to achieve their ideal manly body.

When dealing with her patients, Poddar says it is important to teach them about signs of an unhealthy relationship with exercise and body. "We teach them how our thoughts are related to our behaviours, how they are automatic, and how they drive our behaviours. This helps them develop an understanding of how their disorder develops and maintains itself. We also work on identity which becomes hyper-focused."

Why do men not open up about this issue easily?

Expressing emotions is considered a weakness according to societal standards of masculinity. Hence, men refrain from talking about body image-related issues as they feel the shame associated with this topic and are therefore secretive about it.

Poddar told WION, "Many men, especially in the queer community are subject to bullying and body shaming. They come for help more than cishet [cicgender heterosexual] men."

Akul, a 23-year-old queer man shed light onbody image issues among males andtold WION,"As a queer man, body issues come up quite often. The ideal man is 'straight, muscular, and macho' and if you don't fit into this stereotype, you are made to feel weird."

"There need to be open spaces for people of all sizes to feel comfortable. Childhood bullying leaves lifelong marks, some of which aren't even visible," headded.

For men to talk openly about body image-related issues, it is imperative to break the stereotype that being bulky equates to masculinity.

Having a 'Superhero body' should not be the ultimate goal, and a man's worth should certainly not be determined by the amount he can bench-press.