What It's Like to Be a Man: A Personal Reflection

From the moment you're born, there are expectations—especially if you're a boy. Your family celebrates your arrival, and, before you even understand what it means, the weight of "becoming a man" begins to settle on your shoulders. As a boy, you’re told to listen, but no one really listens to you. You’re supposed to smile because "men don’t cry." You can’t show anger, because "a smart man doesn’t get angry." And if you have a sister or younger brother, you're expected to be their protector, keeping them out of trouble—and taking the blame when they get into it.