"James"

I'm James, I'm 27, I work in mental health. I grew up in Southampton, it wasn't exactly thrilling, I got caught up in the wrong crowd for longer than I should have done.

To you personally what is masculinity?

By definition, it is how manly you are, but these days it's hard to explain it. Traditionally you might assume someone with muscles and tattoos, rides a motorbike is masculine.

Do you think that there are positives to what we call traditional masculinity and if so, what are they?

It's great when you need someone to do some DIY... I'm not sure there are many positives, if anything it's somewhat toxic. I guess it sets a standard, and maybe before we needed that standard.

Would you describe yourself as traditionally masculine if so or not, why?

Right, I struggle with this one, I spent the last 5-6 years trying to be as masculine as possible, boisterous, lifting heavy stuff, pretending I don't have feelings, recently however the last 6 months, I eventually broke and realized it wasn't who I really am or want to be.

How do you think that the term masculine has changed in recent years?

There's a lot of encouragement to move away from terms like "man up" and for men to be more open about their feelings, I feel like the term is the polar opposite of what we are trying to change, it'll never disappear but its use will certainly be lessened.

What are currently the most significant things in your life?

Well I had a pretty bad breakup recently, my dad, also was diagnosed with cancer around the same time, I can't change that, and it was too much to comprehend so the relationship affected me more, there's no bad blood between us but the break up was hard for both of us, and I walked away because I wasn't willing to open up and then when I was ready she didn't want me back, I guess that shattered me, because you know, I still love her the same as the day before.

Are there any people, places or events that you feel helped sculpt who you are today?

I got myself here, I can't think of any individuals because for the most I always felt like I've fended for myself, I had a pretty dark point in my life through depression, alcoholism and drug abuse, that made me who I am today, I got clean and better all by myself. However, when I was struggling with my masculinity, I did surround myself with avid gym-goers the kind of people that don't believe in feelings, that probably didn't help me for a while

the modern man

“James”

This body of work looks at young male artists while exploring and documenting what their opinions are on traditional masculinity and how it has evolved into what could now be seen as the “Modern Man”. I have done this as a survey of sorts, to show the views and personalities of varying modern men, I wanted to show young men that it’s ok to talk about masculinity and to challenge it, as we would not be where we are today as a society if people simply did not challenge the ways that we thought.

How do you think the term masculine has changed in recent years?

“I think the word 'masculine' has become less associated with a single-gender despite its origins, and that the word can apply to anyone exhibiting strong physical traits. also, the term has become less of an expectation and more of a trait, especially with the masculine mindset”.

To you personally what is masculinity?

“To me, there are two types of masculinity:

1. a physical appearance of a person, typically relating to physical strength.

2. an egotistical mindset of an individual, usually as a result of being physically masculine and encountering no resistance from people”.

What’s your thoughts on traditional masculinity?

“I believe that physical masculinity on its own is not inherently bad or dangerous. it is only the second type, the mindset, that I've witnessed having negative properties. a person can be masculine and not force it on others. it is only when this strength starts to cause a sense of entitlement and superiority that masculinity becomes a negative trait. this mindset can also develop as a result of other strengths, such as mathematical prowess or a high IQ. either way, the result is the same”.

“Gem”

I grew up in London, however, through my early teens I went to a school in the countryside. later, I went to a London-based school.

“Isaac”

My name is Isaac Tagarlia and I’m an aspiring photojournalist. I grew up in a little town called Brockworth, just in between Cheltenham and Gloucester, nothing much went on there apart from the yearly cheese rolling.