Join us this Friday, October 25, as we invite Gregor Matsuda Tavares to discuss with us the struggles of modern masculinity and explore possibilities on how to heal men, women and society overall.

Gregor shares with us his personal story of being one of the founders of the

Men's Circle in Shanghai.

In his own words: a honest, nonjudgmental and safe environment where men of all backgrounds have the courage to be vulnerable on a positive path towards becoming a better human being.

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• Real men don't cry, ever.
• All men are natural womanizers.
• A father doesn't need to bond with his child.
• A husband's fundamental role is just being the provider.
• Always be strong and prove yourself a man!

If any of these expectations stir the feeling that these unconscious rules are not aligned with what 21st century authentic masculinity entails, join this upcoming event.

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Men Silence research, 83% of deaths by homicides and accidents have men as victims and 17% of men deal with some level of alcohol dependence.

Men also live on average 7 years less than women and commit suicide an impressive 4 times more frequently than women.

Meanwhile, only 3 out of 10 men have the habit of talking about their biggest fears and doubts with colleagues and friends.

This seems most likely to be a global trend, taken by the popularity of the American documentary "The Mask You Live In" on how to raise a healthier generation of men.

Or the most well-known text of the mythopoetic men's movement "Iron John: A Book About Men", by the author Robert Bly, that summarizes the crisis and the opportunity that men live in these times of transition:

"We are living at an important and fruitful moment now, for it is clear to men that the images of adult manhood given by the popular culture are worn out; a man can no longer depend on them.

By the time a man is thirty-five he knows that the images of the right man, the tough man, the true man which he received in high school do not work in life."

Although it might look like men are still predominantly on the world stage of power and decision making, on the backstage of their personal lives they are suffering mostly alone and in silence.

Men are dealing with the changing reality of traditional gender roles being constantly redefined thanks in great part to the women’s empowerment process.

Unfortunately, an extreme and often destructive response to this male struggle is made evident through the soaring of what's been known as "toxic masculinity".

It can be defined as a set of limiting beliefs that generally reduce the very concept of masculinity and reinforce stereotypes which can be harmful to men, women and society in general.

Join us this Friday, October 25, and discuss with Gregor Matsuda Tavares about the struggles of modern masculinity and explore possibilities on how to heal men, women and society overall.

Further Reading:

Men's Mental Health Silent Crisis​

Men and Suicide​

The Mask You Live In​

A Review of Robert Bly's Masterpiece: Iron John​

Fresh Start Shanghai is a volunteer club which explores social innovation for future good. Fresh Start is part of Rotary international, a global network of 1.2 million who envision a world where people unite to create lasting change.

*As we are a volunteer organization, we are not equipped to deal with refunds;so, please be sure of your purchase. Thank you.

**Venue: Wagas, 2F 265 Jiaozhou Rd, near Xinzha Rd.胶州路265号，靠近新闸路