Boys 2 Men: Preserving the Essence of Boyhood

By Adebayo Quadry-Adekanbi

Ben Hurst’s reflection on the adultifying of young boys and how traditional masculinity affects men’s wellbeing and sexual pleasure

In combating toxic masculinity, examining how we approach the issue is crucial. During his TEDx talk, Ben pointed out that the root of the problem lies not with boys themselves but with the men they become. This observation emphasises the deliberate and significant use of the term “boyhood” by Ben, highlighting the distinction between this formative stage and the subsequent transition to manhood. Unfortunately, the opportunity for young boys to navigate this transformative journey is often lacking. In combating toxic masculinity, examining how we approach the issue is crucial. During his TEDx talk, Ben pointed out that the root of the problem lies not with boys themselves but with the men they become. This observation emphasises the deliberate and significant use of the term “boyhood” by Ben, highlighting the distinction between this formative stage and the subsequent transition to manhood. Unfortunately, the opportunity for young boys to navigate this transformative journey is often lacking.

Ben believes society places an immense burden on boys to transition into manhood swiftly. As he explains, “a projected responsibility is placed on boys once playtime’s over, and it’s time to be a man. ” This expectation generates an array of stresses and pressures, leading to actions that are not always deemed acceptable by our collective standards. Ben believes society places an immense burden on boys to transition into manhood swiftly. As he explains, “a projected responsibility is placed on boys once playtime’s over, and it’s time to be a man. ” This expectation generates an array of stresses and pressures, leading to actions that are not always deemed acceptable by our collective standards.

When young boys aren’t allowed to be kids and make mistakes without judgement, they struggle to learn and grow. The pressure to be men and fit societal expectations leads them to imitate negative behaviours. In a patriarchal society, we can see how these actions can be harmful. When young boys aren’t allowed to be kids and make mistakes without judgement, they struggle to learn and grow. The pressure to be men and fit societal expectations leads them to imitate negative behaviours. In a patriarchal society, we can see how these actions can be harmful.

Boys 2 Men: Preserving the Essence of Boyhood

By Adebayo Quadry-Adekanbi Read article