I do hope you found my interview with Mike Nicholson of www.progressivemasulinity.co.uk helpful. For me, one of the most interesting points was that once boys know that they won't be instantly judged or shut down - and that we are genuinely trying to understand their situation - they are very keen to talk. My husband agrees with this veiwpoint, so it's not just our newest generation of boys.
I would love feedback on further areas you would like us to explore. I'm thinking that it might be interesting to research the different styles of masculinity, so that we can talk with our boys from a position of even greater knowledge.
Mike was kind enough to send us this list of positive male role-models to help us direct our boys' attention in a more healthy direction.
Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow - former rugby league teammates. Rob developed MND and Kevin has stuck by his friend all the way, running ultra marathons to raise money for MND research. Kevin ran with Rob in a specially designed chair at the Leeds marathon, stopped just before the end, picked Rob up and carried him over the finishing line - even giving his mate a kiss on the cheek whilst doing it.
Joey Swoll - American bodybuilder who compaigns for an inclusive and kind gym culture which encourages everyone on their fitness journeys regardless of gender, physical shape etc
Darren Garwood - his son, Jackson, was diagnosed with Krabbs disease and not expected to live past the the age of 2. Darren dedicated his life to caring for Jackson, even writing a series of books with his son as the main character. Darren posts videos on youtube singing his favourie songs to Jackson as part of their bedtime routine.
Chris Evans - Captain America from the Marvel franchise. Visits children's hospitals and hospices dressed as Captain America so they can meet their hero. Also campaigns for LGBTQ rights (his brother is homosexual).
Paddy Pimlett - UFC fighter. Paddy is no angel and often crosses the line with his behaviour but is amazing when it comes to speaking out about men's mental health and the need for us to better communicators. Lost his best friend to suicide. Also openly supportive of LGBTQ rights.
Stormzy - Men in the grime, rap and hiphop genres often glorify misogyny and violence in their music. As someone who has suffered from bouts of depression and suicide ideation Stormzy breaks the mould and openly raises these themes within his music.
Terry Crews - An American actor often cast in roles due to his size and muscular build (not to mention his hilarious sense of comedy). Terry was brave enough to come forward about the sexual assault he suffered, one of the very few men to contribute to the #metoo movement in this way. Faced ridicule and disbelief due to his size and physique - as if it can't possibly happen to people like him.
Ashley Cain - Former professional footballer who lost his baby daughter. Ashley openly talks about his grief (something men really struggle with), sharing stories of his daughter and supporting others to deal with their grief healthily. Wouldn't shave his beard because his daugher used to run her hands through it and when he is feeling particularly low he runs his hands through his beard to feel that connection (Jeez I'm nearly crying typing this!)
