Hi, my name is Manreet Randhawa. I am 17 years old and a high school senior at NP3 Highschool. I am a very outgoing person, but I would consider myself an ambivert. I love being around people, but I also love cozying up in a corner and reading for hours on end. Some of my hobbies include reading, painting, shopping, fashion (although I am not good at it, yet), listening to music of all genres and languages, research, graphic design, bunnies, and ice skating. I decided to do my senior project on the effects of toxic masculinity because the issue is very interesting and relevant to me. The dynamics of the way men and women interact and impact each other Are very interesting to me. As woman I am at a constant threat of violence, whether I am aware of it in the moment or not, a school or out in the public.
The term ‘toxic masculinity’ comes from an idea of some men thinking that they must act tough and suppress their emotion that has negative consequences on both their mental health as well as society as a whole. Toxic masculinity can lead to men feeling entitled to engage in violence against women to prove their dominance and rejection of femininity. There are many issues that stem from toxic masculinity, for example, domestic violence, abusive relationships, sexual violence, street harassment, and rejection violence to name a few. The effects of toxic masculinity can be as small as a male classmate insulting you, or as large as sexual violence, but the important thing is that they are damaging. These issue are very common, yet overlooked.
To make an impact on this issue I spread awareness, advocated and took initiative:
Awareness: I spread awareness on the issue, the effects of it, and how to support victims, this was done through an editorial so that victims who are isolated or people who know current victims could gain more knowledge about this they can do to help some safely leave a situation that involves domestic violence or an abusive relationship.
Advocacy: I advocated on behalf of the population educating and providing tools to people through the use of social media.
Action: And lastly I held a donation drive, in which all donations went to WEAVE, a non-profit organization that directly supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in the Sacramento area. Some donatable items included cleaning supplies, diapers and wipes, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, undergarments, art supplies. I held the donation drive over a period of 6 weeks and collected a total of 110 items.
The term ‘toxic masculinity’ comes from an idea of some men thinking that they must act tough and suppress their emotion that has negative consequences on both their mental health as well as society as a whole. Toxic masculinity can lead to men feeling entitled to engage in violence against women to prove their dominance and rejection of femininity. There are many issues that stem from toxic masculinity, for example, domestic violence, abusive relationships, sexual violence, street harassment, and rejection violence to name a few. The effects of toxic masculinity can be as small as a male classmate insulting you, or as large as sexual violence, but the important thing is that they are damaging. These issue are very common, yet overlooked.
To make an impact on this issue I spread awareness, advocated and took initiative:
Awareness: I spread awareness on the issue, the effects of it, and how to support victims, this was done through an editorial so that victims who are isolated or people who know current victims could gain more knowledge about this they can do to help some safely leave a situation that involves domestic violence or an abusive relationship.
Advocacy: I advocated on behalf of the population educating and providing tools to people through the use of social media.
Action: And lastly I held a donation drive, in which all donations went to WEAVE, a non-profit organization that directly supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in the Sacramento area. Some donatable items included cleaning supplies, diapers and wipes, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, undergarments, art supplies. I held the donation drive over a period of 6 weeks and collected a total of 110 items.