What does it mean to be a man?
We’ve been out and about on campus to pose that question to our male-identifying students for a new video to mark International Men’s Day 2024.
Their responses covered a huge range of topics including talking about your feelings, setting a good example to others and respecting yourself and those around you.
We know there are many influences, opinions and feelings tied up in modern day masculinity, but encouraging conversations about positive masculinity can help promote the message that there is no one way to be a man.
Ultimately, being a man can be anything you want it to be. You don’t need to revert to traditional stereotypes about masculinity or manliness. In today’s world, you can choose the sort of man you want to become.
International Men’s Day is marked on 19 November 2024 and one of its aims is to promote a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity.
We are urging you to consider how you would answer the questions of what it means to be a man and chat to your friends about their thoughts and feelings on the topic.
Filming this video on campus is a continuation of work we are doing to promote positive masculinity here at UWE Bristol, and follows the successful launch of a previous video featuring men from across UWE and the wider Bristol community.
Watch our latest video and join the conversation on social by using #WhatItMeansToBeAMan and #IMD2024