Social Shift (Modern Men)
The Other Side of a Man
By PRAMITA BOSE
Men are no longer shy of exposing their vulnerable side. Many neither hide tears nor mask weaknesses with a put-on act of bravery. They know how to face challenges and deal with problems via practical solutions, and even accept defeats gracefully as God’s verdict or destiny’s decision. Modern men want to denounce chauvinism and break free of the shackles of patriarchy.
“Sometimes fake masculinity is imposed on our shoulders,
which could be toxic both for us and the society. Aggression doesn’t define a
true man. What is machismo after all?” questions sociology student Shekhar
Bajwa, who’s pursuing masters in the subject.
Ray of Sunshine
Incidentally,
there’s a leeward side to men with coveted qualities that every woman would
yearn to find in her desirable partner. “I’d wish my lover or my future husband
to be a ray of sunshine in my life. A warm heart, a sunny smile, a happy
disposition can lift the spirits in crunch situations,” confides college goer
Nandini Biswas.
Alpha Versus Beta Male
Notably, Alpha as well as Beta men could be harmful and regressive in their independent orbits in extreme cases. “Beta is reliable, sentimental and prudent. But on a bad day, he could be laid-back and an evasive procrastinator. Alpha or one who strictly believes in gender binary on the contrary is decisive and may untangle the knots better but his demerit is his arrogance. Plus, a lack of empathy could amount to megalomania or narcissism,” compares psychiatrist Shefali Batra.
A collaborator in decision-making and an advocate of a level-playing field with his woman as his co-mate epitomises the ideal man of today. He is the perfect prototype of an eligible bachelor as the general image goes.
Gender Fluidity
Fashion is all about treading new avenues, note couturiers. “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to don androgynous attire. But for those it works well, they are pretty much welcome to flaunt it. It can’t be a deliberate effort to look like a member of the opposite sex but how deftly you adapt to this clothing style, that matters a lot,” deduces ace fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla.
Fitness Freak
Health
is wealth and men hopefully understood this loud and clear. They are way more
fitness conscious now, sweating it out at the gym, eating right and sleeping
tight. Over the years, men’s health have become fragile as many are succumbing
to stress, clinical depression or other medical issues due to erratic
lifestyles, sedentary jobs and reasons unknown. As a result, the 40-55 age
bracket witnessed frequent deaths in recent times. Mental weariness is climbing
a steep curve on the graph.
“Man’s mind is not in his grip. One must bridle those sentimental upheavals that push a person to the brink of a drastic step,” warns celebrity fitness coach Giri Yadav.
Given the erratically stress-ridden lifestyles, what kind of workouts for men are highly in demand?
“In today’s
fast-paced world and highly-stressed environment, men are expansively looking
for an exercise regime that not only piles up strength but also helps them
decompress and recharge their mental batteries. Functional training, yoga,
mobility workouts and calisthenics have gradually become popular because they
combine physical conditioning with mental balance,” informs Yadav.
Many men are also
turning to hybrid fitness routines mixing strength training with yoga or
breathwork to improve their flexibility and reduce stress. Workouts that focus
on mindfulness, controlled breathing and endurance levels are now preferred
over high-intensity and purely aesthetic-driven regimens.
“The modern man is
seeking workouts that are effective, time-efficient and restorative, thus
helping him handle both physical and mental demands of a chaotic and cluttered
daily life,” he concludes.
Self Love
Are
men more aware of wellness nowadays and joining fitness programmes to reset
their mind and body, and not just build muscles and sculpt six-pack abs?
“The idea of self-care is gaining traction. Men are paying keen attention to diet, rest, mobility and stress management areas that were ignored earlier. Social media reels and posts have also served a major boost here,” shares the trainer.
“The focus has now changed gears to a broader outlook, which constitutes overall well-being and longevity. Evidently, enrollees are queuing up at gyms, spa sessions, yoga studios, meditation retreats and sports clubs,” he elucidates.
Men are gradually overcoming their hesitancy to address problems as critical as cancer or as private as reproductive and mental health for timely treatment and recovery. “I can see a marked progress in rural regions where men are seriously taking charge of their anxieties and niggles upfront, courtesy of the increasing knowledge and awareness about health,” acknowledges reputed surgeon Dr. Udipta Ray from Kolkata’s Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
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