How does the militarized ideal of toughness shape the internal dialogue soldiers maintain about their sexual identity, self-worth, and emotional authenticity? This is an interesting question that has been studied by many researchers in recent years. It is important to understand how this concept affects individuals who serve in the military because it can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.
The concept of toughness in the military refers to the idea that soldiers must be physically and mentally strong, able to handle difficult situations, and willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of their country. This can create a culture where feelings like vulnerability, weakness, and emotional expression are seen as signs of weakness or even cowardice. In turn, this can lead to difficulties expressing oneself authentically and having positive experiences with others.
When soldiers see themselves through the lens of toughness, they may feel pressure to suppress their sexual desires and avoid intimacy, leading them to repress their true selves. They may also feel shame and embarrassment when expressing their needs or sharing personal details with others. This can make it challenging to form close relationships, including romantic partnerships, which can further exacerbate these issues.
The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can add to this problem. Traditionally masculine traits such as aggression, dominance, and stoicism are often valued in the military, while traditionally feminine traits such as empathy and openness are discouraged. This can make it hard for men and women alike to acknowledge and accept their full range of emotions and sexual identities.
To address these issues, it's essential for the military to provide support and resources for service members who struggle with them. This might include therapy sessions that explore the impact of toughness on self-worth, training programs that teach healthier ways of expressing emotions, and policies that promote inclusivity and diversity.
Families and communities can play an important role by creating safe spaces for discussion and understanding.
How does the militarized ideal of toughness shape the internal dialogue soldiers maintain about their sexual identity, self-worth, and emotional authenticity?
Researchers argue that militarized ideals can shape a soldier's perception of themselves as both male and female, leading to internal conflicts about their masculinity and femininity. According to Brewis et al (2017), gender stereotypes are reinforced through military training where men are encouraged to be aggressive and stoic while women are expected to embody traditional gender roles such as motherhood and nurturing.