Origins, Issues & Musings on Men In the Society
Origins of Men's Day
DR. Jerome Teelucksingh, proposed a day of men
The origins of Men's Day, also known as International Men's Day, can be traced back to the 1990s. It was proposed by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history professor at Trinidad and Tobago University, who wanted to raise awareness about men's issues and the impact they have on society. He chose November 19th as the official date for International Men's Day because it coincided with his father's birthday. Over time, the day has become a platform for discussions surrounding men's health, fatherhood, male suicide rates, gender equality, positive role models for young boys, and toxic masculinity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing everyone's role in society and promoting inclusivity that benefits all individuals. Here is an interview he granted explaining the concept.
Issues Needing Awareness in Male-ness
Men have typically been viewed as family providers, producing an income and financially sustaining their houses. However, as cultural dynamics have changed, this position has altered, and women increasingly actively engage in the labour field.
Father and carer: Men have an important part in raising and nurturing children.
Involved in Economic Activities: Men frequently seek employment and professional objectives
Community Builders: they play crucial roles in their communities through volunteering, advocacy, and civic involvement.
Emotional support and well-being: Men have emotional needs and play an important role in supporting their own and others' mental health.
Why You Should Celebrate Your Father
Fathers are those who play crucial roles in your life. They could be Pastors, Teachers, Parents or relatives. I have a biological father who was not there in my childhood. He was locked up by Nigerian government for fighting for the survival of his race. The duty of caring for me fell on Christian Ukah Nwabuoku who raised me up to become a teenager and ultimately a man. From Kirikiri Maximum, Azum Azuka Asoya directed that I should be taken to his bosom friend as most people were afraid to be associated with a soldier whose future was uncertain as he was considered one of the ring-leaders of the Nigerian Civil War. In prison, he still cared.
This was one picture my father Azum Azuka Hippolytus Asoya (on the left) longed to see but didn't before he died.
Equality and inclusion: Celebrating males is an important step towards achieving gender equality and inclusivity. Just as it is vital to recognise and celebrate women's successes and efforts, recognising men's accomplishments helps to establish a balanced and inclusive society in which both genders are appreciated.
Breaking preconceptions: Celebrating males may disrupt gender stereotypes and broaden cultural expectations. It promotes men to seek a larger range of roles and objectives, as well as explore varied interests and emotions, encouraging a healthier and more inclusive concept of masculinity.
By honouring men, we can provide safe places for dialogues regarding men's mental health, emotional well-being, and societal concerns, fostering better understanding and encouraging men to seek assistance when required.
Positive male role models: Celebrating men allows us to recognise positive male role models that inspire and contribute to society in a variety of ways. We inspire young men and boys to strive for greatness and make a big difference in their communities by recognising their accomplishments.
Strengthening connections: Celebrating males may help to enhance relationships in families, friendships, and communities. It promotes good communication and collaboration by encouraging admiration, respect, and understanding between both genders.
It is critical to stress that honouring maleness or males does not entail rejecting or ignoring the realities and struggles that women endure. It is rather about fostering a more inclusive society in which all people, regardless of age and gender, are recognised and respected for their unique traits and achievements.
Leading Men's Health Issues
There are a couple of male health issues that are generally ignored until they result in fatalities. Some of them are listed below:
Heart Disease:
Heart disease accounts for approximately 25% of deaths in men in America, caused by smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Obesity
Obesity ranks high among men's health issues, with over 70% of American men being obese or overweight, heightening their risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Similar statistics exist in other countries too.
Mental Health:
Mental health is another prevalent issue that affects men, with depression and anxiety on the rise.
Prostrate:
Prostate cancer is quite common, and it is projected that one in every seven men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how one's body utilizes blood sugar (glucose). Many men have this condition undiagnosed for a long time until it is late.
Sexual Health:
Sexual health remains crucial to men's health, with regular check-ups to prevent sexually transmitted infections and other reproductive concerns.
Men's health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health, substance abuse, prostate cancer, hypertension, and sexual health are all prevalent issues that men face. To manage these issues, men must seek healthcare help, leverage rehab centres, counselling, and therapy clinics, and lead a healthy lifestyle and get regular check-ups. Additionally, men must engage in open communication amongst themselves about their mental and physical health, seek professional help early to increase their chances of survival and collaborate with healthcare practitioners to find optimal treatment solutions. These measures are essential for men to retain their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Honour your fathers that your days may be blessed. Call your Dad now and wish him a happy Father's Day! Find out what he is secretly hurting from and provide him succour.
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