This series of articles shines a light on toxic masculinity and encourages Australians to support themselves and their mates. Featuring industry leaders sharing personal experiences with the tagline -- When the going gets tough, get talking.
It celebrates the BOYS DO CRY campaign, which launched with a transformed version of The Cure’s iconic song, Boys Don’t Cry. The campaign is the brainchild of independent advertising agency The Hallway, produced in partnership with The University of Melbourne’s Centre for Mental Health, Heiress Films, Good Oil’s Tom Campbell, Uncanny Valley, Initiative and powered by UnLtd – raising funds for mental fitness foundation Gotcha4Life.
Next up is Jason Scott, CEO at MiQ:
When was the last time you cried?
When my dog passed. Her name was Chilli. Early morning cuddles and coffee. Late night TV sleeping at your feet. The knowing thump of her tail when you walked past. Devastated.
Tell us about your experience of traditional masculine stereotypes growing up.
I grew up, let's just say a while ago, in regional Queensland. My Mum and Dad ran their own businesses with Mum out front leading and Dad in the back office doing the finances. I went to co-ed schools all my life. I had female bosses for at least 50% of my career who have been pivotal in getting me to where I am today. My best “man” at my wedding was a female, and yes I was one of her “bridesmaids”. She remains one of my best mates today and her speech at the wedding had people rolling around in the aisles.
I always was and still am surrounded by female role models and mates. That was my lens growing up. But I think it's also given me strength and balance as a male. Yeah I played sports and saw first-hand the masculine crap that can go with that. But being part of that cohort was never my only option. I had lots of female mates where I could leave that world behind, get a different perspective and move forward.
What would you tell your 15-year-old self about opening up and showing your emotions?
Growing up and coping with a world where feelings become more and more complex is completely natural. Oh and by the way everyone is going through it. So, keep your communication lines open. Talk through things you don't know. Share how you think and what you know. If you can find the courage to be vulnerable and transparent when you communicate with people, you give yourself the chance to connect on a different level and gain valuable perspective to help handle the complexity and nuance of life.
What do you want for the next generation?
Gender equity. Achieving that is a game changer. It will have a genuine multiplier effect. For me, this starts at home with my two sons. Talking to them and challenging “norms”. Encouraging them to re-evaluate what they see and develop their own opinion. Helping them to recognise their privilege and how to put it to work to empower others.
What do we, as a society, need to do to challenge views that men should always put on a brave front?
How does the quote go - “We can't be what we cannot see”? Reference points that model the behaviour that moves us away from toxic masculinity, not towards it. Public and frequent reference points to socialise and break the stigma.
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