Men are not machines At a time when boys and men are met with high demands for discipline, constant performance, and encouragement to take part in military build-up—at the risk of their own lives—we need a counter-voice that says: “Men are not machines. We are human beings—with feelings, and with needs for closeness, tenderness, and understanding.” To “be a machine” is associated with performing at a relentless pace, being unaffected by emotions, and not tuning in to others. To have a body hardened like a weapon. We know that many boys and men suffer under these ideals, which are deeply tied to norms of masculinity.We also see that the broader public conversation is reinforcing these expectations of men especially loudly right now—both through politics’ emphasis on being tougher, and through social media trends from the so-called “manosphere,” which promotes the image of strong, controlled men. ” We know that many boys and men suffer under these ideals, which are deeply tied to norms of masculinity. But it’s also because of the new reality we live in: growing inequality, military build-up, and high unemployment. A reality where competition, status, and violence are things many men are forced to navigate every day.When conditions in society worsen, it becomes all the more important to raise your voice for a positive and hopeful future. A future where men are not seen as interchangeable parts in a machine, but where we are encouraged to be whole human beings with the capacity for care, attentiveness, and empathy.MÄN believes in an equal world free from violence. We believe that vision can be achieved together with the women’s movement, other justice movements, and a strong civil society.