South African men across various socio-cultural and economic groups are well known for embodying (and trying to embody) a tough, independent, stoic and fearless brand of masculinity.
Achieving and being seen to attempt achieving this kind of masculinity is largely important for men to be accepted in this context. There is therefore a lot of pressure on South African men to be tough and fearless, or face the risk of being seen as less dominant and powerful and unsuccessful.
Achieving this kind of masculinity (or even attempting to achieve it) can have serious health consequences. This includes high risk behaviour, such as excess drinking and drug use, poor diet, violence, and driving too fast.
The emotional consequence of trying to be ‘tough’ the whole time is that men get (and give themselves) very little chance to understand and get help for the normal stressors, challenges and questions that being human inevitably face.
The message should be clear: men are still humans, and humans are challenged by a variety of stressors in life. Getting help or even just talking about these stressors is the best way to ensure that we remain tough and independent for longer.
