Why American Men Don't Cry: Cathy Young on Toxic Masculinity

‘American Men Don’t Cry’ is an essay written by Cathy Young, in which she explores the cultural expectation that men should not express their emotions through tears. Young argues that this expectation is harmful, both to men who may feel that they must suppress their emotions in order to fit the traditional masculine mold, and to women who may feel that they must cater to men’s emotional needs without receiving the same level of emotional support in return. Ultimately, Young suggests that breaking down these gendered expectations and allowing men to express their emotions freely could lead to healthier relationships and a more compassionate society.