• Masked Emotions: South Asian Men, Toxic Masculinity and Emotional Freedom

  • Aug 30 2024
  • Length: 51 mins
  • Podcast

Masked Emotions: South Asian Men, Toxic Masculinity and Emotional Freedom

  • Summary

  • This episode will unveil why South Asian men often find it difficult to be vulnerable and express their emotions. We'll start by examining how South Asian culture shapes our ideas about emotions and how these notions intersect with gender.Cultural expectations often dictate that South Asian men should appear tough, both externally and internally, making vulnerability and emotional expression seem like signs of weakness. This mindset begins in childhood, where boys are often told to suppress their emotions as a part of being masculine. Phrases like "Boys don’t cry" or "Man up" are commonly heard in both South Asian and American cultures, reinforcing the idea that showing emotions is unmanly.

    The absence of emotional role models further complicates this issue. Many South Asian men grow up with fathers who are stoic or express anger but little else. Without healthy examples of emotional expression, these men struggle to identify, regulate, and share their feelings, often fearing rejection or judgment from their communities. In this episode we will highlight cultural and parental messages about gender and emotions that may shape how South Asian Americans connect with their emotions.

    Parents will also learn critical strategies to foster emotional intelligence in their children and why redefining masculinity in contemporary times can benefit children’s emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.Our guest today is Ankur Varma, licensed psychotherapist and founder of Brown Man Therapy, who will guide us through understanding how gender socialization and cultural expectations impact South Asian men's emotional lives.

    Ankur brings over a decade of experience in community mental health, advocating for accessible and culturally-informed therapy.Join us as we explore how to create a safe space for emotional expression and challenge traditional notions of masculinity, ultimately empowering South Asian men to connect with their emotions and improve their mental health.
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