International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day: Gentlemen, Start Your Mustaches!

International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual celebration held on November 19th to recognize and celebrate the positive contributions of men to society and pretend to know how ties work. It’s a day to highlight men’s achievements, promote their well-being, and advocate for gender equality.
A day to appreciate all the men who make us laugh, even when they’re telling dad jokes!

The Forgotten Date?

Ever notice the annual outcry on International Women’s Day? Every year, like clockwork, a chorus of angry men cry out: “Where’s our day?” It’s that time when some men, oblivious to the existence of International Men’s Day since 1992, bemoan the perceived lack of celebration.
Let’s toss them a lifeline of awareness. Grab your calendars, mark International Men’s Day with a bright neon color, share it with those forgetful souls, and transform their annual amnesia into an opportunity for celebration.
It’s time to end the “But when is ours?” saga and let the world know that equality is a two-way street!

Gender Equality Is Everybodies’ Issue.

International Men’s Day invites us to celebrate men’s contributions to society, promote positive masculinity, and to reflect on the evolving expectations and roles of men in society.
It’s not just an entry in the calendar; it’s a spotlight on the often-overlooked issues for men, who may feel pressure to conform to outdated stereotypes while also navigating new expectations. We live in a time when traditional notions of masculinity are being challenged and redefined.
And rightfully so. Let’s rewrite the rules, embrace equality with swagger and redefine what healthy masculinity really is.
Because real men cry, and breaking gender stereotypes is our cardio!

Manhood vs. Malehood: Sex vs. Gender

The term “man” has a complex and often confusing history.
It can refer to the biological sex of a person (male), the social construct of gender (masculinity) and the use of “men” as a synonym for all of humankind, which raises more questions than our poor underpaid writers can answer. So we’ll just keep the definitions to the sex and gender thing here for brevity.

In the realm of gender, let’s clarify the distinction between the male sex and male gender.
In traditional biological terms, a man is an individual who possesses male reproductive organs and typically produces testosterone as their primary sex hormone. This biological distinction is based on simplified physical characteristics.
We say simplified because despite many biology school books still portraying sexes as a binary thing, science has agreed that male and female sex is actually a spectrum because our bodies are not built with a clear switch. This makes it an uncommon thing for individuals being exactly all male or female.
So, if you feel you are not 100%male or female, then you are probably just completely normal. Nature likes our DNA to be flexible.

The concept of gender, however, is more fluid and highly nuanced. Gender refers to the social roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities associated with being male. Gender is not solely determined by biology but is also influenced by cultural norms, personal experiences, and individual choices.
Some people say that gender is strictly a cultural construct. Some disagree with this notion. Either standpoint is hard to prove objectively in a world where gender is usually explicitly defined in most cultures.
Anyway, if you feel sure that your gender is male, then you are absolutely entitled to that opinion and it’s nobody’s business to tell you otherwise.

The Man Dilemma: Benefits and Drawbacks

Being a man comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits:

• Facial Follicle Flexibility: Beards, mustaches, or the clean-shaven look. Take your pick!
• Pockets Galore: Who needs the tyranny of handbags?
• Dapper Wardrobe Dominance:  From sharp suits to comfortable casuals, manhood allows sartorial versatility.
• Aging is Allowed: Salt-and-pepper hair? Distinguished. Crow’s feet? Wisdom lines. Society’s leniency in the aging game.
• Society’s Golden Ticket: Men often occupy positions of power and authority in society, granting them access to resources, opportunities, and influence.
• Cultural Valorization: Traditional notions of masculinity often associate men with strength, courage, and leadership, which can lead to social admiration and respect.
• Biological Advantages: Men typically have higher muscle mass, enjoying faster gains when weight lifting.

Drawbacks:

• Emotional Straitjacket:  “Men don’t cry” is a toxic mantra that stifles emotional expression, leading to awkward feelings and potential mental health issues.
• Stereotype Shackles: The pressure to conform to toxic masculinity can be suffocating. It limits personal expression and hinders individual growth.
• Pressure to Provide: The weight of societal expectations to be the breadwinner can be suffocating and may not always be the optimal choice.
• Stigma Around Seeking Help: Men may face stigmas surrounding mental health, often expected to tough it out rather than seek help.
• Health Risks: Men are more likely to experience certain health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
• Tie-Troubles: The fine art of tying a tie—frustratingly intricate for those not naturally inclined.

The Origins of International Men’s Day

Calls for an International Men’s Day have been made since at least the 1960s. Most were national days and were only short-lived.
International Men’s Day as a global event was conceived by Professor Thomas Oaster who directed the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
It was Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a philosophy lecturer at the University of the West Indies, who officially relaunched IMD in 1999 and since then, it has remained a global event. Dr. Teelucksingh selected November 19 as the date,  motivated by his father’s birthday on November 19, adding a personal touch to this global celebration. 

From there, the celebration spread globally, receiving a mixed bag of reactions. Some welcomed it wholeheartedly, while others wondered, “Do men really need a day?”
Today, it serves as a platform for promoting positive masculinity, fostering gender equality and dismantling societal expectations.

How To Celebrate International Men’s Day

This International Men’s Day, let’s celebrate the men in our lives in a way that is true to their unique personalities and contributions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Man-Study: Learn more about men’s issues. Educate yourself about the challenges and issues faced by men today.
• Bro-ment of Reflection:  Take time to appreciate the men in your life. Share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate the unique journey of manhood.
• Manly Movie Marathon: Create a “Men’s Movie Marathon Playlist” featuring films that celebrate your favorite positive male role models and share it using the hashtag #IMDMovieMarathon.
• Mustache Meeting:  Host a mustache-themed party where everyone wears their favorite ‘stache. From the classic Handlebar to the daring Dali. Bonus points for glitter!
• Dad Joke Duels:  Laughter is the best medicine, even for Dad jokes. Organize a Dad Joke Olympics and challenge your friends to showcase their punniest, groan-worthy dad jokes.
• Dress to Impress Yourself:  Declare it a day of fashion freedom. Embrace fashion freedom. Whether it’s a three-piece suit, fantasy ties, or funky socks, wear what makes you feel dapper.
• #InternationalManspiration: Don’t forget to share your International Men’s Day celebration on social media with hashtags like #InternationalMensDay and #MensDay.

Whether you’re sporting a ‘stache or reveling in dad jokes, make this International Men’s Day a celebration to remember!

Breaking Chains, Not Hearts

International Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of manhood and promote a more inclusive and equitable society for all. It’s time to redefine masculinity and create a better world for everyone. Because we believe in equality, respect, and the revolutionary power of pocket equality.
And if anyone wonders why you are hosting a “Dad Joke Olympics” while wearing glitter mustaches, tell them that Wild Calendar granted you the official permission slip. And while you’re at it, invite them to join in on the fun! After all, breaking gender norms is a team effort.
Cheers to breaking the mold and may your celebrations be as wild and diverse as the positive masculinity we celebrate today.
Happy International Men’s Day!