Gosport MP says that vulnerable men are at risk from '˜toxic' images of masculinity

CHARACTERS in action films are creating images of toxic images of masculinity, an MP told parliament.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage spoke out about the risk that ‘self-contained, aggressive and disconnected’ portrayals of action heroes such as James Bond and Steven Seagal may have on vulnerable men.

She said: ‘Every time a little boy is told to zip up his man suit, to be brave in circumstances where a girl would be cuddled or comforted we’re contributing to an ideal that a real man is fearless and emotionless.

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‘I think there are risks, particularly for those who are vulnerable or isolated and these messages can be particularly toxic for men suffering mental health issues.’

Ms Dinenage raised her concerns to fellow MPs during a debate about International Men’s Day, which is tomorrow.

She also said that she had been told by one man in her constituency that the Gosport Shed project saved his life.

She added: ‘I’m very encouraged by the work of the Department of Health with the National Suicide Prevention Alliance to identify innovative projects and target mental wellbeing and suicide prevention at men - projects such as the Men’s Sheds movement.