“constructed to break your heart”…

Tides May 17th

Opinion

In recent years, young boys growing up in China face a unique cultural challenge as they navigate the shift between traditional expectations and modern influences. As families become more urbanized and globalized, boys often feel the pressure to excel academically while adhering to societal notions of masculinity that prioritize strength and stoicism. This clash manifests in experiences at school, where peer dynamics can encourage competitiveness and emotional suppression, contrasting with the softer, nurturing ideas promoted by some contemporary parenting styles. Increasingly, boys are finding themselves at a crossroads, balancing the desire to conform with the freedom to express their individuality, leading to a rich tapestry of boyhood experiences that reflect both the weight of tradition and the possibilities of change.

Tiff Weekly