Image
Source
Shao, Jianmin. 2018. “Created image: Toxic denial on science of tradtional masculinity.” In Toxic Masculinity, created by Jianmin Shao. In Visualizing Toxic Subjects Digital Exhibit, curated by James Adams and Kim Fortun. The Center for Ethnography. March.
Language
English
Contributor(s)
Group Audience
English
Sustantive Caption: This image is created with screenshots of online responses to the new Psychological Guidelines of Boys and Men published in late 2018 by the American Psychological Association (APA). This image aims to illustrate the ways in which scientific findings about the effects of tranditional masculinity are inaccurately interpreted on both sides, resulting in toxic debates missing the main message. Based on deceades of research, APA presents its findings about how men's well-being and mental health outcomes can be at risk as well as strengthened. Yet, shown by this image, the responses on the right took a leap to assume that traditional masculity is absolutely harmful, whereas responses on the left are in denial of findings pinpointing drawbacks of toxic masculinity. Both reactions are misinterpretations and attacks on scientific endevors in current society.
Design statement: I select this image to show how science is threatened due to the circulation of toxic extreme values in current society for the following reasons: