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.
Name: Kerry McCabe
Job Title: Founder and Director, UnLtd
When was the last time you cried?
Last year when watching The Virtues, a very dark and brilliant TV series. I'm getting better at crying and trying to do it more often, as odd as that may sound.
Tell us about your experience of traditional masculine stereotypes growing up?
Suboptimal I'd have to say. All of the stereotypes of men in the 70's and 80's. Rural NZ was particularly 'tough guy' territory and an all-boys school was survival of the fittest (or most desensitised would be a better description).
What would you tell your 15-year-old self about opening up and showing your emotions?
Be yourself, love yourself and let others be themselves would be the primary message.
What do you want for the next generation?
To celebrate the uniqueness of every young person while embracing connectedness to each other and their planet.
What do we, as a society, need to do to challenge views that men should always put on a brave front?
My experience is that it has positively shifted a great deal over the past 20-years as brave men in all spheres of life (with the exception of politics) are demonstrating the power of authenticity, vulnerability and honesty. Having an equal focus on mental and physical fitness at home and school will be the biggest game changer moving forward.
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