Trisha Das On Breaking Toxic Masculinity: “Unless It Is Stopped, We Cannot Smash Patriarchy”

Trisha Das’ book “Misters Kuru: A Return To Mahabharata” gives a modern-day twist to “Mahabharata”, and the National award-winning documentary filmmaker and author highlights the importance of breaking the idea of toxic masculinity to establish gender equality.

“I think while it is true that patriarchy put women in a box and limits them to grow, it also puts men in a box! Men are expected to earn money, be the provider of the family, or fight the war and come out with flying colours all the time. That is also toxic in a way. It is toxic masculinity. Given a choice, are they ready to do it all the time? How men treat women is also linked to masculinity. Therefore, I think the conversation needs shift from just the right of women to smashing the outdated concept of masculinity, which is toxic,” Trisha told IANS.

Trisha Das added, “Unless toxic masculinity is stopped, we cannot smash patriarchy. Gender equality and women empowerment struggle will continue. If a man is emotionally sensitive and expressive in love, if he is tender by nature and does not fit into the mould of patriarchy, he is ostracised by society. In a way, men are forced to fit into a standard and it is high time to break that down.”