A new 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 Richie Kenzie, Managing Consultant at Clear Hayes Consulting:
When was the last time you cried?
I’m actually not much of a crier. It’s quite eye opening when I think about the last time I cried was with my dad at the AFL Grand Final when our team won 11 years ago. It was one of those special father and son moments.
I’m normally pretty quick to start a conversation when something is upsetting me, which is probably why I don’t cry all that often.
Tell us about your experience of traditional masculine stereotypes growing up.
My dad was very much the breadwinner in the family, while mum spent a bit more time raising us but there was never a sense that it had to be that way.
I largely grew up living with my mum and two sisters in a household where being in touch with your emotions and talking about things was really valued. In hindsight, as I moved into my teens and early adulthood, that was something very positive.
What would you tell your 15 year old self about opening up and showing your emotions?
That it’s ok to be in touch with your emotions and to show them. Young men are conditioned a lot of the time to be stoic, and bottle things up, especially around their mates. So I’d tell my 15 year old self to always be willing to talk to friends and peers, especially if something was troubling me or them.
What do you want for the next generation?
I’ve got two young boys and I want them to grow up as respectful, kind and emotionally aware young men. I’d say that’s a pretty sound goal for all men these days.
One of the great things about growing up in the '20s for them as opposed to the '80s and '90s is that there’s a lot more positive conversations about emotional wellbeing these days. We need to keep encouraging the next generation to be willing to speak about how they are feeling without fear or favour. And to always be there for friends and family when they’re going through hard times.
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