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Behind the culture of crying: Why do society have double standards for men's tears?
Human tears are not only physiological reactions, but also contain rich emotional and social significance.From the cry of children to the emotional release of adults, crying occupies a special place in our society.However, why are there always different standards and evaluations for men’s crying?This is a topic worth discussing in depth.
Study has pointed out that the chemical components in tears are very different from irritating tears when they are released, suggesting that emotional tears may play an important role in coping with stress.
The Physiology of Tears
Tears are clear liquid secreted by the tear glands, mainly composed of water, electrolytes, proteins, lipids and mucins.The three basic types of tears include basic tears, reflex tears, and emotional tears.The composition and function of each tear vary: basic tears have the effect of lubrication of the eyeballs, reflecting tears can remove irritants, while emotional tears are usually associated with strong emotional experiences.
Emotional tears contain higher concentrations of stress hormones, such as corticotropin, which shows that it may have important biological functions in mood regulation.
Cultural perception of crying
In almost all cultures, crying is often associated with tears flowing down and accompanying sobs.Emotional triggers are mostly sadness and loss, but they may also include anger, happiness, fear, etc.In many Western cultures, society has relatively low acceptance of male crying, which is often considered a sign of fragility.By contrast, women and children are considered more acceptable when expressing emotions.Therefore, the society’s double standards for men and women in crying have sparked a lot of discussion.
Evidence shows that crying can express signals in relationships that need help and promote the observer's willingness to help.
The Challenge of Men's Crying
Many men often feel that they cannot express vulnerability when facing emotional stress, which is related to the expectations of men in society and culture.This stress may stem from traditional concepts of masculinity that place strength, patience, and self-control above personal values.This causes men to tend to suppress emotions, which may lead to emotional disorders or mental health problems.
In some Latin cultures, male crying is seen as a manifestation of emotional honesty, showing the influence of cultural differences in emotional expression.
The benefits of crying from a psychological perspective
Psychological studies show that moderate emotional release, such as crying, can promote mental health and relieve anxiety and depression.Therefore, many modern psychotherapy schools, such as re-evaluation counseling, encourage free expression of emotions, including crying, to promote psychological healing.
In some modern treatments, tears are considered an important tool for releasing emotions and restoring psychological balance.
Conclusion
In general, tears are not only physiological reactions, but also emotions outlets and psychological regulators.Although society still has many stereotypes about men’s crying, the acceptance of emotions varies in different cultures, which promotes our rethinking of gender roles.So, should we reassess the criteria for male emotional expression and discover the meaning of tears in our lives?
