Struggle Care 138: BEST OF: A Hot Fat Guy Takes on Toxic Masculinity with Alex Frankel
Apr 14, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Alex Frankel, a plus-size model and body acceptance advocate, shares his journey from feeling trapped in a body that society deems unattractive to embracing his true self. He discusses the concept of functional masculinity, challenging toxic norms and advocating for empathy in male relationships. Alex highlights the neglected role of men in the body positivity movement and emphasizes the need for supportive communities. His insights on redefining masculinity inspire a deeper understanding of self-love and emotional expression.
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Seven Pillars Of Traditional Masculinity
- Dr. Ronald Levant's seven tenets define traditional masculinity: resistance to femininity, restricted vulnerability, toughness, dominance, self-reliance, hypersexuality, and disdain for minorities.
- Alex Frankel argues calling it "toxic" misses the societal, structural nature of these norms and prefers "traditional masculinity ideology."
Early Emotional Divergence In Children
- Gender socialization shifts dramatically between 18 months and three years with boys' visible emotions dropping and girls' increasing.
- Alex says this early divergence is reinforced in preschool and sets a long-term pattern for male emotional restriction.
Childhood Segregation Shapes Gender Views
- Boys and girls self-segregate in childhood and often don't re-integrate until puberty, limiting cross-gender understanding.
- Alex suggests this segregation helps men view women as objects when sexual interest begins.
