"‘Be a man’ is a phrase that suppresses men's voices," says Leo DaSilva
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Ex-BBNaija housemate, Leo DaSilva [/b]shares his perspective on the common phrase, “Be a man,” which he believes is often used to silence men and overlook their well-being. He argues that this phrase is deeply ingrained in societal expectations that pressure men to conform to outdated notions of masculinity, often at the expense of their mental health.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he explained that the phrase is a trigger for toxic behaviour, as it pressures men to suppress their emotions and ignore their mental health. This expectation can lead to a cycle of emotional repression, where men feel compelled to hide their struggles instead of addressing them openly. Leo emphasized that this silencing of emotions can have severe consequences, not just for the individual but for society as a whole.

“‘Be a man’ is a statement masked in silencing men, ignoring their happiness, and a trigger for toxicity,” he wrote. His words highlight the negative impact of societal expectations that equate masculinity with emotional stoicism and toughness. Leo DaSilva further stressed the importance of men prioritizing their mental health and overall well-being, a message that resonated with many of his followers, especially those who have faced similar pressures in their own lives.

“It’s okay for you as a man to also prioritize your mental health and general well-being. If you are not fine, you cannot effectively take care of anyone,” he added. This statement serves as a reminder that self-care is essential and should not be viewed as a weakness. Leo’s candidness about mental health has sparked a much-needed dialogue around the emotional struggles that many men face in silence.

His post has since sparked discussions on social media, with many praising him for highlighting the emotional struggles men often face in silence. Followers expressed their appreciation for his willingness to speak out on such an important topic. A fan, @femmymafia wrote in response, “I’ve been saying this for a while now! But at least I know I’m not tripping now! I could go through a lot of pains and heartbreaks. I mean back to back problems. But nobody cares about whatever I go through or going through. All they care about is me coming through for them. Like I don’t deserve to be loved or treated right. If I hear any say ‘be a man’ to me again, I might clap someone. I’m telling you my pains, you telling me to be strong like you know how I’m feeling!”

Another user, @onlylilibee added, “BE A MAN! It’s a statement used to silence males without taking their mental health into account, causing them to bottle up their feelings until they eventually explode in a harmful way towards society. Parents need to do better. Society needs to do better.” This collective sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the need for change in how society perceives masculinity and mental health, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and support for men in their emotional journeys.