This is the reality that many young boys in America face, as toxic masculinity and perpetuation of male stereotypes continue to run rampant in mainstream film and within social media. Toxic masculinity is described as manhood defined by sex, status and aggression, according to the Good Men Project. Working in the social media industry himself, Chen has undoubtedly had many experiences with perceived male role models among teens. Luckily, more influencers like Chen are beginning to rise within the mainstream social media scene of today’s young teenagers. As social media seeks to evolve past the harmful stereotypes surrounding male gender expression, hopefully, society’s standards will as well.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 21, 2020 19:30 UTC