A practical and contemporary discussion of what it means to be a man today
Men are cracking under the immense pressure of culturally created and rigid norms, traditions and beliefs. Be A Man About It: Building a Healthier Idea of Masculinity delivers an insightful and eye-opening new discussion of modern masculinity.
George Bell lays out how a silent pressure cooker is building in men, fuelled by the weight of historical, biological, and societal context. This pressure is reaching breaking point, exploding into challenges men are facing in everyday life. Hidden taboos and stigmas, the things we talk about and the things we don't, the conversations we should be having, but aren't. Addictions, a growing male loneliness epidemic, a resistance to healthcare support, sexual function issues, a growing suicide rate, and more.
But there is an attainable future where we can release this pressure in healthier ways. Bell puts forward ideas for how we can build a more flexible idea of masculinity, celebrate our men and thrive alongside women.
Each section is packed with first-hand insights, modern data and research, and comments from a wide variety of guests and experts, including army veterans, athletes, professors, doctors, authors, artists, first responders and people who have lost others or nearly lost themselves.
Inside the book:
- An examination of how a silent pressure cooker is building in men and reaching devastating breaking points, and how we can release this pressure in healthier ways
- Updated language that avoids the pitfalls of old, unproductive phrases like “be a man about it”
- New ways of thinking about old social constructs that reduce the idea of masculinity to inaccurate, rigid, and oversimplified caricatures
- New strategies to expand our sense of masculinity, and to deal with emotions, setbacks, and difficult life experiences instead of suppressing them
Perfect for men struggling to identify what it means to be a man today, Be A Man About It is a must-read for men feeling lost, out of place or searching for a new blueprint for masculinity, as well as women who wish to better understand the men in their lives and how they experience the world.
About the Author
GEORGE BELL is the co-founder of JACK, a men’s publication and platform for men’s issues and experiences which aren’t spoken about enough, but should be. Bell has spent over a decade working in the mental health space, helping to normalise the conversation around mental health.
Industry Reviews
‘An absolutely fascinating enquiry into the nature of masculinity, coming at a time when it's really needed. Hats off to George Bell.’
-Stephen Fry, UK comedian, actor, writer, and presenter
‘An essential read for our generation of men, rewriting the rules in a way that’s honest, freeing, and makes me excited for our future.’
-Tj Power, Sunday Times Bestselling Author & Neuroscientist
‘With sensitivity and insight, George offers both personal perspective and practical guidance, making this more than a book; it’s a lifeline.’
-Alice Hendy MBE, Founder of R;pple
