England recently exited the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Both rugby and football trace their roots back to England and have evolved into globally celebrated sports. While they share similar beginnings, they also bring to the forefront a reflection on toxic masculinity. It's worth exploring how these sports and the cultures surrounding them contribute to this discussion. These connections are further highlighted in a recent Netflix release, the miniseries "Beckham" (2023), which chronicles the life and career of the iconic English footballer, David Beckham. In the following paragraphs, we'll delve deeper into the connections between rugby, football, and toxic masculinity, and how the mentioned documentary miniseries contributes to this dialogue.
Throughout history, many cultures have adhered to traditional gender roles. Physical activities were often deemed suitable for boys and men, while girls and women were expected to assume passive roles at home. This historical division of labour has significantly shaped the perception of which activities are deemed appropriate for each gender. Society has consistently reinforced the notion that boys should embody traits of competitiveness, physical activity, and toughness. In contrast, girls were often encouraged to adopt more reserved behaviours and focus on appearance and domestic responsibilities. This historical context provides valuable insights into how expectations of masculinity have become deeply ingrained in the world of sports.
Over the years, a reflection of this has been the emergence of a subculture within society known as 'lad culture.' While it gained prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, the term persists to this day, describing a collective and often boorish or misogynistic behaviour predominantly associated with young heterosexual men, especially university students. In essence, 'lad culture' is characterized by heavy alcohol consumption and the exchange of sexist, misogynistic, racist, or homophobic banter. This subculture frequently perpetuates traditional notions of masculinity, emphasizing behaviours such as competitiveness, excessive drinking, and the objectification of women. It's crucial to explore how 'lad culture' intersects with sports and contributes to the perpetuation of toxic masculinity within the world of athletics.
Football, a sport primarily dominated by a male demographic, frequently intersects with 'lad culture' and, in more extreme cases, football hooliganism, characterized by violent and destructive behaviours exhibited by spectators at association football events. What is particularly noteworthy is the alarming prevalence of footballers implicated in sexual crimes, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment. Furthermore, some have faced allegations of domestic violence involving their respective partners. Paradoxically, the male fans of the sport, often associated with 'lad culture,' may simultaneously hold homophobic attitudes. Football, however, boasts passionate fans who wholeheartedly express their enthusiasm and affection, not only for the players on the field but also in the stands, on couches, and in bars, where they may openly share their emotions in public, including tears. The media sometimes exacerbates this 'lad culture' through headlines that can influence readers to act in alignment with these stereotypes.
This complex interplay between traditional notions of masculinity, lad culture, and the football community underscores the pressing need to address issues related to toxic masculinity within the sports world.
David Beckham's recent Netflix documentary series, released in celebration of his tenth year of retirement, offers a unique insight into his life and career. The series seamlessly weaves together his journey on the football field with glimpses into his personal life. It features a treasure trove of archive footage from his family and media, along with anecdotes from Beckham himself and those who crossed his life path.
One striking aspect of the documentary is the dominant use of the colour red: the colour of his beloved Manchester United, love and hate linking with his journey with the lad culture, and the power correlating with his influence. This documentary delves into the complexities of Beckham's public image, which has often been associated with metrosexuality. In a time when male vanity was sometimes viewed with derogatory homophobic stereotypes, Beckham emerged as a multifaceted figure, both a football icon and a pop culture influencer. His influence extended beyond the football pitch, leaving an indelible mark on style and fashion. The documentary underscores how Beckham helped pave the way for a new generation of metrosexual men in football like Cristiano Ronaldo. Beckham's cultural impact was further magnified by his marriage to Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham. Together, they challenged societal norms regarding masculinity and femininity, often through their fashion choices. Their union transcended stereotypes through their hairs’ length; at times, Beckham's fashion choices, like the sarong, including his iconic hairstyles and pierced ears, were groundbreaking. Both were revolutionary, their union broke the social bubbles too, as football is associated with the toxic lad culture and Spice Girls were a girl power music group. Notably, Beckham's involvement in co-creating the football club Inter Miami, with its use of the colour pink, challenged traditional associations of masculinity and sport. In the documentary there are footage with him with tears in his eyes in his last match, and pushed the boundaries again, especially on discussing about mental health on the hate he suffers from the lad culture, broke the silence around men's mental health.
Rugby perpetuates toxic masculinity through its emphasis on physical toughness over emotional expression. A macho culture valuing aggression, hazing and peer pressure. Its reinforcement of traditional gender stereotypes. Issues of homophobia and discrimination. Media/fan influence. Its focuses on injury culture and limited emotional support. It faces gender inclusivity challenges, and the influence of poor behaviour by high-profile players. Efforts are underway to challenge these norms and create more inclusive environments within the sport.
Similarly, in the world of rugby, Gavin Henson from Wales broke new ground. He emerged as the first metrosexual rugby star, challenging long-held stereotypes and transcending boundaries in a way no rugby player had before. His influence extended beyond his performance on the pitch. Henson's commitment to embracing his metrosexual identity, characterized by meticulous grooming, a keen sense of style, and a willingness to discuss topics typically considered taboo in the rugby community, made him a trailblazer. In a sport where toughness and stoicism often took precedence, Henson openly discussed mental health challenges, thus helping to destigmatize these issues among athletes. Henson's impact went beyond the rugby field, inspiring a new generation of players to be comfortable with their own identities, express their emotions, and challenge outdated stereotypes. His journey exemplifies the shifting landscape of rugby and the ongoing evolution towards a more inclusive and progressive sport.
In the world of sports, where strength, resilience, and competitiveness take centre stage, toxic masculinity has found fertile ground. From the rugby fields to the football stadiums, traditional notions of what it means to be a man have persisted, often at the expense of individual well-being and social progress. Let's redefine the game, not just on the field but in our minds!
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