Redefining Manhood and Challenging Stereotypes for a Better Future
Ebony McNeil is the Founder & Executive Director of The Forge of Reading a men's enhancment organization with a focus on men's mental health, transparency and positive identity creation. He is a community leader with a focus on sending men back into the community as the best version of themselves so they can positively impact those around them.
The term "manhood" in today’s world has taken on many meanings and perspectives. This has caused very polarizing views in the minds of many in society. It has also caused a rift between the genders, with each side developing feelings toward the other based on an incorrect understanding of what true manhood actually is.
One of the demographics most affected by this confusion is the young men in our society. Although full-grown adults are also affected, the highest impact is felt by adolescents and men under 35. Over time, the definition of what a man is has morphed into placing value on a man based on income, sexual prowess, physical superiority, and many misogynistic traits. Whether this was intentional or a negative natural evolution can be argued, but this is where we are.
Many in today’s society, male or female, couldn’t give a clear description of what manhood is if they were asked. The description would range from physical traits to aspects of old-school chivalry to the current toxic definition that many are fed through the media.
Part of the confusion stems from the need for necessary clarification of what encompasses real manhood. We need to work to redefine manhood in today’s world. There needs to be a clear challenge to the outdated stereotypes that are attached to men. The message of how men are defined has not only simplified us emotionally but has made anyone who rejects that notion an anomaly. Instead of understanding that we function fully emotionally, we have been taught to compartmentalize it and minimize expression.
We need to work to purposefully promote the positive imagery of the full spectrum of what manhood is. We must learn to introduce the value of emotional intelligence to the next generation of men. As a supplement to this teaching, we also need to help men understand that accountability and purpose are two of the most important foundations of manhood.
This is why The Forge, a men’s enhancement organization, was formed. We want men to be their best selves, and positive imagery is the first pillar we were built on. Social media exposes the human brain to the equivalent of 200+ feet of content on an average day. This translates to about 400-plus pieces of visual content per hour. Combined with the fact that up to 80% of what goes viral is negative, dramatic, and conflict-based material, with about 10% being neutral and comedic and only 10% being genuinely positive visuals, this is why, as a society, we need a narrative change.
We need to all work together to encourage, support, and spread the message of what true masculinity is. This needs to be consciously permeated through all forms of media, through our conversations, and through men supporting men and helping them through this journey of changing an expectation that has been ingrained in society, in its men, and in its women for ages but has now evolved to a point that is affecting the standards in society.
This will take significant effort, but it can be done.
Read more from Ebony McNeil
Ebony McNeil, Men's Mental Health Enthusiast, Life Coach, and Non-Profit Leader
Ebony McNeil is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through intentional work with men in the community. Holding a Master’s degree and over twenty years in various leadership roles, Ebony brings both academic insight and real-world experience into every initiative he leads. He is deeply invested in advancing men’s mental health, recognizing the critical need for safe spaces where men can process, grow, and heal. As the driving force behind The Forge, he has created a platform focused on identity development, brotherhood, and accountability.
