The Man Box

The Man Box

Student Name: Jose Bouroncle

Course: College Communications 2 (COMM171)

Instructor Name: Tricia Hylton

Date: 01/04/2023
The Man Box

THE MAN BOX

This essay explores the concept of the "Man Box," which refers to a set of restrictive

norms and gender stereotypes that limit men's emotional expression and perception of

masculinity. According to Lewis (2020), the article "The Man Box" published in The New

York Times in January 2020 is the primary source for understanding and analyzing this

phenomenon. The thesis of this essay argues that understanding "The Man Box" is

crucial in comprehending how society shapes and limits gender expression in men, and

that challenging and dismantling these stereotypes is essential.

Gordon Lewis' (2020) article in The New York Times, "The Man Box," recounts a

conversation between two friends, Sam and the author, about the difficulty of discussing

uncomfortable emotions. The author expresses envy toward Sam, who has the ability to

confide in someone about his deepest sentiments, while acknowledging that he has

never had such a person in his life. As the conversation progresses, both individuals

share their own experiences, and the discourse takes on a therapeutic tone. The article

emphasizes the importance of discussing difficult feelings with others and the need to

overcome the constraints imposed by the "man box."

Gordon Lewis' (2020) article in The New York Times, "The Man Box," critiques the

societal pressure on men to suppress their emotions and avoid discussing deeper

emotional issues. The author argues that this pressure, also known as "the man box,"

detrimental men's mental health and well-being. The author contends that dismantling
The Man Box

this pressure is necessary for men to have more fulfilling relationships and live healthier

lives. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, Lewis highlights the need to

challenge and overcome the harmful stereotypes that constrain men's emotional

expression.

The article "The Man Box" is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation on

toxic masculinity, exposing how societal expectations of traditional masculinity are

harmful to men and those around them. However, the text fails to fully address the

intersectionality of gender, race, and sexuality when discussing the effects of "the man

box" on men's mental health. Despite this limitation, the article draws attention to the

need for men to embrace vulnerability and authenticity to improve their overall well-

being. In this regard, the text shares similarities with Jackson Katz's TED Talk,

"Violence Against Women – It's a Men's Issue," which advocates for men's involvement

in dismantling toxic masculinity. (Katz, 2013) The works' common message of

promoting healthier and more inclusive societal norms offers hope for a more equitable

future.

In conclusion, the discussion of the "man box" and the importance of dismantling the

societal pressure that limits male emotional expression is relevant and pressing. While

the texts and TED Talk discussed in this essay offer valuable perspectives, it is

important to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to address the

intersectionality of gender, race, and sexuality in the fight against toxic masculinity.

Moreover, it is crucial to engage men in this conversation and encourage them to

The Man Box

examine and challenge restrictive expectations and norms of traditional masculinity.

Ultimately, a more holistic and diverse approach is needed to achieve real and lasting

transformation of notions of masculinity and build a more just and equitable society for

all.

References

Katz, J. (2013, March). Violence against women—it's a men's issue [Video]. TED

Conferences.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jackson_katz_violence_against_women_it_s_a_men_s_issue

?language=en

Lewis, G. (2020, January 7). The Man Box. The New York Times.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/well/family/the-man-box.html

Lewis, K. M. (2000). When leaders display emotion: How followers respond to negative

emotional expression of male and female leaders. Journal of Organizational Behavior:

The International Journal of Industrial, Occupational and Organizational Psychology and

Behavior, 21(2), 221-234.

Reynolds, S. (2019). DMT and “The Man Box:” Provoking Change and Encouraging

Authentic Living, An Arts-Based Project. Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 139.

https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/139