November 19 has marked International Men's Day for over 20 years, but the day has become a point of debate. Many people mocked it online on Thursday, while others made a point to highlight the reasons it began—to bring awareness to men's mental health.
Begun in 1999, International Men's Day was imagined as a way to highlight awareness for men's health and mental health, as well as to promote gender equality and celebrate male role models, according to the International Men's Day website. The website also notes that the day of recognition wasn't intended to compete with or be a response to International Women's Day.
Despite the purpose behind the day, a number of Twitter users made jokes about International Men's Day on Thursday, saying they would partake in silly, traditionally "masculine" activities. One comedian remarked that she planned on watching a Jackass movie to celebrate, while another person shared a video of a young man jumping onto a pile of barbed wire. Someone else pointed out that International Men's Day also falls on World Toilet Day, which it does.
in honor of international men's day i will watch one of the jackass films this evening
— kathbarbadoro (@kathbarbadoro) November 19, 2020
A tragedy that International Men’s Day is only once a year. pic.twitter.com/EM9bYCQaaG
— Mike Scollins (@mikescollins) November 19, 2020
Today is both #InternationalMensDay and #WorldToiletDay so you know where to find me
— Matt Nedostup (@nedostup) November 19, 2020
Joking aside, a few people did remark that having a day dedicated to men seems a bit pointless. Comedian Vir Das and the newsletter Girlboss both had similar tweets expressing a sentiment along the lines of "Every day is international men's day." Girlboss also shared a video saying it would unfollow everyone who posted about International Men's Day.
When you live in a patriarchal society, every day is #InternationalMensDay pic.twitter.com/0OTzobrufa
— Girlboss (@girlboss) November 19, 2020
What? Today is #InternationalMensDay ? Wait...wasn't that everyday?
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) November 19, 2020
While there were plenty of jokes and criticism to be made, many people used the day as an opportunity to encourage men to speak about their feelings and not be afraid to ask for help when struggling, especially with mental health issues. A number of people, such as London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, highlighted that men account for most of all suicides and sought to end stigma about men discussing their problems. "We must be able to talk about challenges men face. Then we can tackle them," he tweeted.
On this #InternationalMensDay, I hope you give yourself permission to reach out & open up to someone in your life if you need help. Your brave display of vulnerability can give another man permission to be brave as well.
— justin baldoni (@justinbaldoni) November 19, 2020
If you need help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) pic.twitter.com/s2UE25VyCy
It’s #InternationalMensDay
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) November 19, 2020
It’s a chance for us to reflect on the serious issues facing men in London today.
75% of suicides in the UK last year were male.
We must be able to talk about challenges men face. Then we can tackle them.
While some people sought to bring up problems men don't traditionally speak openly about, others tried to highlight much more than just cisgendered men and male gender norms. The Sussex Library made a point to shout out transmen and transmascuuline people, while offering tips on how people can celebrate the day. Another person also made a point to offer "cheers" to men who "fight against toxic gender norms."
To mark #internationalmensday we want to celebrate men, boys, Transmen and Transmasculine folx and offer four tips for the day:
— Sussex Library (@sussexlibrary) November 19, 2020
1. Social conditioning often teaches men to suppress their emotions. It's okay to cry, share your vulnerabilities, and show empathy.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/CDvcFo4mbh
Cheers to the men who wear dresses.
— Senthorun Raj ✨ (@senthorun) November 19, 2020
Cheers to the men who romance men.
Cheers to the men who care for children.
Cheers to the men who are misgendered.
Cheers to the men who embrace their vulnerability.
On #InternationalMensDay, cheers to all men who fight toxic gender norms.
Another person tweeted about making the day more inclusive to non-binary people, remarking that it was disappointing to not see organizations wish a happy International Men's Day to "mxn and non-binary people."
It’s funny but I haven’t seen a single organisation devoted to men’s issues wishing a happy #InternationalMensDay to all ‘mxn and non-binary people’ or tweet about how to make man a more inclusive category. It’s almost as though people think inclusivity is women’s work... 🤔
— Sister Outrider (@ClaireShrugged) November 19, 2020
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