by Jasmine Tejada, staff reporter
Social norms are quick to define what makes a boy into a man. Many boys who wish to mature have a set of unfair standards they’re suppose to meet or surpass.
In the case of young boys raised in the hispanic culture, many want to be like their father. Hispanics raise boys on the idea that a man is someone who can show a girl who’s the boss.
Showing a girl who’s the boss is such a blockhead idea as when boys attend school, they have female instructors. Additionally, the girl next to him in class may be better academically. This concept also gives boys a false sense of the real world because his boss or manager may be a female. Such attitude can hurt a young man’s family and career.
“A guy can think showing a girl his chest hair makes him the boss, but I don’t think there should be a boss. Especially when among friends or if she’s a girlfriend because we should be equal despite our gender,” senior Thelion Simons said.
In the event of a recession or depression, females aren’t the only one’s unemployed. The unemployment rate also includes men.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the unemployment rate was little change at 6.1 percent.”
Another way cultures stereotype a man is his income and capability to provide for his family. This designated role is unfair, especially in an economy that isn’t promising. Not only does it make a man feel unworthy if he can’t provide the way he wants to, but can completely shatter his self esteem.
“In our society we do judge people by how much they make but that is unfair and in my opinion isn’t right. There is more than just money to define a person,” special education teacher Mr. Nisonoff said.
Out of all the standards boys must meet to become a man, not showing any emotions leaves an impression that emotions is a “woman’s thing”. However, in the right place, at the right time it’s okay to cry just as much as it’s okay to laugh.
According to Stephen Sideroff, PhD, a staff psychologist at Santa Monica, studies show that crying is a way the brain let’s people know there’s an issue that has to be addressed. For both genders, issues and emotions should be addressed, or it may lead to depression.
“If a boy really wants to become a mature man he should reach his fullest potential in life,” junior Binnah Cha said.
Overall standards are important, but a young boy maturing into a man shouldn’t be determine if by his feeling of superiority, income, or being able to suppress his emotions.
