The framing of toxic masculinity derives from the same sponsors that made popular the concept of the strong independent woman. The two are inextricably linked. But do not get caught up in the distraction. It’s what’s not said that should have your attention.
The definitions of toxic masculinity are abundant and diverse. One popular version asserts that toxic masculinity is spotted in males that are collectively “too” aggressive, infatuated with domination, and obsessed with exerting power. Another alleges that it is seen when males rail against what are commonly, albeit not universally, accepted rights of women. Essentially, the individuals projecting the aforementioned undesirable behaviors are classified by these same “definers” as anti-feminist. Basically, these two variations of “toxic masculinity” comprise of most of the core sentiments of the other definitions. What they all have in common is that each are cloaked in a western-culture propelled estimation of what a man is or is not, and is ultimately suggesting that the rules of the western society trump all – irrespective of one’s personal or community belief (because its empire must always be the law giver). But does this correlate with all people? Is this the universal experience for all of humanity?
When viewed through a historical lens, the concept of toxic masculinity that is used in these times is actually people’s way of rejecting the both the trauma and issues caused by centuries of White male patriarchy. Unfortunately, the conversation about it remains ensnared in – and under the dominion of Eurocentric culture. Furthermore, modern feminism, a creation by certain White women alienated by their spouses and the systems their spouses created, has (via its creators) also been unable to divorce itself from its fathers. It also perpetuates Eurocentric ideals - individuality, anti-nature, xenophobia (fear of the other – in this case - males).
The bulk of the characteristics that White feminists have associated with toxic masculinity actually reflect systemic and individualized practices that people subjected to White domination since the 15th century had been voicing. However, true to form, these White women (and their supporters), have taken the concerns and universalized them – making them a trait of all men and rallying all women to be on the “lookout” for. In other words, these White women did not address the needs of any other people group. Rather, they have created an environment that causes conflict in family structures in other peoples while creating a space in the societies that they live in that simply replace the White man (with all his patriarchy) to play the back, while she steps in his stead. At the end of the day – in the empire – where other people groups in the country having gender wars in their homes remain under White jurisdiction - the honor goes back to the White family – because the white women still give birth to White sons that they love and train to carry on the system. If you notice, White feminists have not separated – nor are they separating themselves from White men (that would be taking it too far). The conflicts between people groups play out daily in the public eye where non-White women of the empire have declared war on the men of their heritage.
Fortunately, the Israelite mind does not fall for the trap. We view toxic masculinity differently. We view it specifically as a type of male expression unauthorized by The Most High. The Ziqney Yisrael (“Elders of Yisrael”) call these types of expressions of masculinity, “conduct unbecoming” of a man of Elohiym. The male that is classified as toxic operates in complete opposition to the ways of The Father. Toxicity here, refers to actions that create an environment that is not conducive for light. And because no light is being brought forth there will be no real fruit and no real multiplication. When environments are oversaturated with toxic masculinity spaces are filled with irresponsibility and the absence of accountability, and the atmosphere becomes a free for all ruled by lower-level principles. Toxicity is constant disobedience without repentance.
The toxic male’s actions pollute (or adulterate) the environment that he is in. Nothing good comes from them. He is a tool of the system that he lives in – although he may parade around as if he is independent or free to think as he desires. He is: (1) headless (without one to answer to), (2) servant to popular culture and people that champion it (though he may declare himself independent), (3) violent (because he has no true power and by it an inability to communicate effectively), (4) dishonest & erratic (because he operates out of fear), (5) disobedient to The Most High and to those that The Most High has placed before him, (6) always linked to his counterpart – the toxic female – who is essentially ruling over him – who has the system essentially ruling over her, (7) willing to steal and involve himself in thievery (he does not know dominion – so he is more concerned with others do).
The toxic male takes his cue from the serpent in the garden, who is the father of toxicity, the purveyor of poison, and the crafter of pervasion, since he too began the process of attempting to cause a man that he had no jurisdiction over to fall by coaxing him into believing that what The Father said was not true. How he did this was by introducing a doubt into the man’s obedience. Telling the man that a thing already defined as off limits as “pleasant” to the eyes – while conveniently leaving out the fact that it was not good in substance. The vendor of the mainstream idea of toxic masculinity also attempts to create a concept of a man that is not pleasant so as to allow the world (by default) to formulate in their mind a man that is “good”. Much like the serpent - HE conveniently leaves out the Most High’s concept of a good man. This is done in order to deceive the mind so that it focuses on the displayed image rather than who you would serve if you accepted the non-image that was created.
The Israelite is at odds with the headless man. Rather, the headless man is at odds with the Israelite, for the man of Elohiym is covered, loves his protective head, and associates with other men that operate under a head. We are not at odds with lone wolves but we do keep an eye out for them. Because we are aware of HE who created us – and HIS sovereignty there is no hesitation in yielding to HIS instructions – for we know that either way we WILL win! So our ways are those as directed from above. We are not violent – especially to those that are ours – for those that are ours (wives/children/apprentices/etc..) are members of our bodies. We would never harm our own body – because doing so would be an affront to The Creator. Also, we are never out of control sexually. We values our seed and we are aware of its power, which is why we stand against whore mongering, not supporting such misconduct - for whore-mongerers are thieves – males that do not respect boundaries. Because of the authority vested in us from above we respect familial, community, national, and even international boundaries. As such, if another puts our family at risk, the perpetrator is met with a swift response (after all other measures of intervention have been exhausted). Just to be clear - we do not take pleasure in asserting our power over others, because we knows how our strength dwarfs the competition. But we are also aware that at times it must be displayed. Our word is our bond – so if we say a thing we do it – irrespective of circumstances. If we make a vow we keep it. Our word is our bond which means that we are not too talkative, never gossipy, and are always measured in personality. We respect order and those that operate in an orderly manner. And just as the toxic man is always linked with his toxic counterpart we, the men of Elohiym are always linked with a virtuous woman. We are married to virtuous women. We raise our daughters so that they can be virtuous women. We despise covetousness. We are the polar opposite of the toxic male. Our women and daughters are the opposite of the toxic female. She (the virtuous woman) respects order. She understands virtue. She knows how integral her role is in the family structure. Because she loves her father – she can appreciate the importance of being covered. She is aware that a lone she-wolf mentality is harlotry and ultimately operating un-covered. In an Israelite woman’s mind – there is never any value in being un-covered for being un-covered (headless). She is aware that every “body” she adds cheapens her value and diminishes her virtue. For her – being strong is utilizing the talents she learned towards expanding the house of her lord – training up her children to take on certain skill sets – be good sons and daughters – practicing and contributing to the expansion while learning themselves how to be heads and ribs. The Israelite man, woman, and child stand together.
We must be mindful of the method of the serpent - who tries to project his own insecurities on everyone. We must be clear that the true toxic male and his counterpart (the toxic female) collectively disrupt the natural order of the universe. Alternatively, the toxicity defined by the mainstream does not pertain to the natural order of the universe – but rather, to the societies and ways that hold up White supremacist , anti-nature, anti-Elohisitic values. In these days neither the Israelite man, nor his counterpart (the Israelite woman) can afford to allow themselves to be trapped in fruitless debates guided by these false definitions; false definitions whose only true intent is to keep us distracted from our pending victory.
Peace be to you. Peace be to your house. And peace be unto all that is yours! Shalom Shalom!
Bn Shmû ÉL is a loyal son, a committed father, and the founder of HaDBR Media, Chief Editor at Bn Shmû ÉL Publishing House, and author of The Land Of Milk and Honey: The Heart Of The World. https://www.bn-shmu-el.com/shop .
יה חי