It was a joke for some people to think being a boy is hard. They say being a boy was easy and you will not encounter much pressure than girls. But that is not true at all. In this generation, being a boy is hard because there are many stereotyping and gender roles you need to comply. A boy is not a full-grown man. A boy is an age where he is only starting to discover himself.

There are many reasons why a boy didn't tell his problems and share it with others. Only few boys have the courage and guts to tell their parents that they are experiencing something hard. The society think that being a boy is a preparation for being a man, and you must stand tall for yourself because one day. You will not only stand for yourself, but your family.

What’s the hardest thing about being a boy? What specific pressures or challenges do boys face?

The hardest thing about being a boy is becoming a boy itself. There are expectations people wanted to see from you and you must have a strong physique. They will expect you to become something you don't really want to. You must play basketball. You must get girlfriend. You must build your body because if you are too thin, they will tell you that just for few blow of air, you will be gone.

The pressure of being a boy is the peer pressure. Peer pressure for boys are a bit higher than girls I think. It is because when boys set a plan, it will happen no matter what - whether rain or shine. Boys would give you a straight, frank and no colorful words when they are giving you advises. Peer pressure for boys are compact and solid. You cannot say no unless you have a life and death situation.

What are the good or best things about being male? What are the advantages that society provides for boys and men?

The best thing being a boy is, we don't have a monthly menstruation because if we do, that's a horrible pain. We are very lucky that boys don't need to buy monthly napkins and pads. We are lucky that we can take off our shirt when we are sweating and hot. Unlike girls, they can't do that because of their breast and it is very inappropriate.

Being a boy can lead us to many opportunities, but those opportunities will only be successful if we work hard for it. Right now, what a boy can do is also suitable for girls. Girls can do what boys can whether it is household chores or job opportunities. But still, there is still a stigma that boys are powerful and superior than girls. I believe we are equal in any ways.

Tell us about a specific time you learned what is expected of you based on your gender?

I have this experience when I was in grade 8 that I used leggings because we will dance for a certain event at school. When I bought the leggings, the vendor asked me who will wear it. I said, I am the one who will wear it for school. She told me that it is not appropriate for a boy to wear it, but I told her that we all boys in all section will wear it, not just me.

This kind of gender-based stereotyping is really wide and deep. We cannot blame them since their generation has poor knowledge and acceptance in the current trends. I also think that wearing a leggings are not bad at all. Yes, it is a bit fit, but I don't use it for daily clothes. I used it specifically only for the dance competition of our school.

Do you think it is harder to be a boy or man today than for your parents or grandparents? Why or why not?

I think in my grandparents era, they are more stricter than the current generation. Their beliefs about boys being a boy is firm, strong and solid. Boys should be masculine and will help their father in work. I remember my grandpa told me that he always tasked to help in the farm as a young boy.

I believe I am still lucky because in some ways, some girls game can be played by boys now. And boys game can be played by girls too. That is how the society change and this is a good change now. I think there are many changes to happen, but it will not change a fact that whether you are a boy or girl, it is hard to be one.

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I am grateful you read this!