This series by AdNews shines a light on toxic masculinity and encourages Australians to support themselves and their mates. Featuring industry leaders sharing personal experiences with the tagline -- When the going gets tough, get talking.
It celebrates the BOYS DO CRY campaign, which launched with a transformed version of The Cure’s iconic song, Boys Don’t Cry. The campaign is the brainchild of independent advertising agency The Hallway, produced in partnership with The University of Melbourne’s Centre for Mental Health, Heiress Films, Good Oil’s Tom Campbell, Uncanny Valley, Initiative and powered by UnLtd – raising funds for mental fitness foundation Gotcha4Life.
Next up is Adam Furness, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, for Impact.com and UnLtd board member:
When was the last time you cried?
I cried on the weekend when a friend was telling the story of her unwell brother. I cry at least once a week. Sometimes happy tears, but most of the time it is a friend or colleague who has endured pain, whose story has brought me to tears.
Tell us about your experience of traditional masculine stereotypes growing up.
I played a heap of sport growing up and went to a private all boys high school. I would say that the traditional masculine stereotypes were most prominent and sadly dominant out on the rugby field and in the locker rooms. Dominate. Destroy. Don't show fear. Don't show weakness. Smash the competition. Flick each other with towels and don't cry from the pain...Ra ra ra.. were sadly the lauded masculine stereotypes\
What would you tell your 15-year-old self about opening up and showing your emotions?
I would tell my 15-year-old self that both vulnerability and bravery can coexist. In fact, being vulnerable is displaying bravery. I would also tell myself that experiencing and displaying a range of emotions is healthy - it's human and it's necessary if you wish to connect on a deeper level with your friends and family.
What do you want for the next generation?
I want boys (and girls) to cry without any stigma.
What do we, as a society, need to do to challenge views that men should always put on a brave front?
More initiatives like this. We need to normalise 'crying' and promote showing a range of emotions. We have some way to go but the media can help by showing more men in sport, entertainment, politics and business showing emotion, without being judged.
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