Imagine people thinking that by buying firearms, ancillary equipment, and MOLLE gear, and then dressing like an operator, that this makes them tactically proficient. Just by owning, wearing, and carrying certain items!
Really dumb, right?

Imagine somebody thinking that by having a truck, a molon labe tattoo, a 9-line shirt, open carrying a handgun, and being a jerk to everyone, that this makes him a man. Just by owning, wearing, and carrying certain items and being obnoxious!
Really dumb, right?

That’s a stereotypical image of “toxic masculinity,” but it demonstrates why the term is foolish. These external indicators aren’t masculine. Adjectives modify nouns. If something isn’t masculine, then it can’t be toxic masculinity. It’s better described as toxic immaturity.

What people decry as “toxic masculinity” is toxic immaturity: chronological adults who are emotional adolescents. They strive for manhood by mimicking lousy role models. They are males who failed to launch emotionally, trying to wear grown up costumes and hide their insecurities.

If you’re an adult male who struggles with this late adolescence, and you need a role model, look at Jesus. Don’t look at His followers. Look at Him. He is compassionate, charitable, selfless, forgiving, and even loves thise who hate or attack Him.