Originally Posted by wayner
Apparently some people are talking about it
Goodmentproject.com
"because of their different core qualities, it follows that when the masculine and feminine go out of balance (when they become toxic) they do so in different ways:
Unbalanced masculine energy (toxic masculinity) because of its natural outward trajectory, moves in an outward fashion. Violence, rage, hated, name-calling, sarcasm, bullying, and all kinds of abuse—these are symptoms of the toxic masculine.
If toxic masculinity remains unchecked, it takes out this imbalance on the world and other people. At some point, like a boomerang, it moves back inward to hurt himself, too. This is a well-discussed topic on this website.
Unbalanced feminine energy (toxic femininity) because of its inward focus, moves in an inward fashion. Guilt, depression, anxiety, lack of self-worth, bitterness, spite, jealousy, passive-aggressiveness, or clingy behavior—these are the symptoms of the toxic feminine. (From an archetypal perspective, note that toxic femininity can exist in a woman or a man.)
Toxic femininity is a self-destructive, inwardly-directed energy that sometimes, but not always, projects this inner pain upon others. Toxic femininity is a cry for help from someone who struggles with core survival issues such as self-worth, self-acceptance, and self-love.
If toxic femininity remains unchecked, it might take on symptoms of depression or anxiety. It might result in eating disorders or self-harming acts such as cutting or hair pulling.
It might stay on this inner negative spiral, or it might move outward, taking out this imbalance on other women. For instance, women who use derogatory terms upon each other, heap judgment on each other, or in any other way invalidate another woman’s path, are projecting their inner unworthiness.
She might also express her imbalance toward a partner through petty criticism, jealousy, and (unwarranted) suspicion. This is also a projection of her own lack of self-worth.
Yes, a man can be withdrawn and spiteful. And yes, a woman can be violent and wrathful. But in these cases, the man is presenting toxic femininity, and the woman is expressing toxic masculinity—archetypally speaking. Both people are imbalanced, and both need healing.
The bottom line is this: While toxic masculinity can lead to physical violence, rape, and abuse, toxic femininity often translates into mental health disorders, which is also a truly relevant issue of our time."
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