Boys Don't Cry

According to the American Psychological Association, Western culture assigns specific traits to align with a patriarchal ideal of masculinity. From a young age, boys are socialized to embody this ideal, which emphasizes toughness, stoicism, heterosexism, self-reliance, and a lack of emotional sensitivity and connectedness. They face intense pressure to conform to these gender norms. Boys learn to be men from the men in their lives, from their own experiences navigating our social norms, and from the large social and cultural context. Phrases like “man up” when showing emotion or vulnerability, and the belief that “real men don’t cry”, contribute to men expressing their emotions through violence due to a lack of healthy means. The photographic series “Boys don’t cry” celebrates men who embrace their “feminine” traits and feel free to love themselves by being emotional, nurturing, and empathetic.