Machismo makes room for tears

[1]

It was not long ago when defamed cricketer Sreesanth cried in front of spectators during the slapgate controversy. Recently, the police claimed that he made a ‘tearful’ confession of his role in the spot-fixing scandal. Besides him actor Sanjay Dutt also broke down in front of the media while his sister Priya consoled him.

Actor Aamir Khan was often seen wiping his tears during his show Satyamev Jayate. And more recently, footballer David Beckham was photographed tearing up during his last match on the soccer field.
It seems crying has become a natural tool for men who no longer feel that teary eyes dent their macho image. The new age men are comfortable showing their emotions, agree many who believe that they too have an emotional side.
“Crying sounds an alert because this is an hidden aspect of men,” says actor Hussain Kuwajerwala. “But it is no longer a taboo for a man to show his emotions. I don’t see any harm when men tear up because even they emotional. Every individual is different, some can control their emotions and some can’t. However, what is important is that it should not be interpreted in a different manner. Crying should not be confused with being weak. When we won the World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar cried, and they were tears of joy. Every man shows his emotions in a different manner,” he adds.
Designer Nikhil Mehra says, “The fact is that time is changing dramatically. Earlier men played a different role and were considered to be the strongest who would not show their emotions. However, young men have a growing understanding of their emotions and sensitivity, and are therefore more open to giving them an outlet.”
Actor Amit Sadh showed his vulnerable side when he cried on television during Big Boss. “I consider it more manly to show your emotions. Men are not heartless and a real man is not afraid of tears. I believe if you are compassionate, you are comfortable showing it,” explains Amit.
However, actor Samir Soni feels that these are just odd exceptions as our society is not going to change. “Since our childhood, we are taught that being a man we should not cry. If a man cryies he is called a crybaby. Having said that, I would not like to believe that men are open to crying and these breaking down incidents are extremely individual in nature and may be a result of lack of control. We are still expected to be tough in our approach towards life and continue playing the role of a provider and protector without showing our emotions,” says Samir.