ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Victorian masculinity

Okay kiddo, let's talk about Victorian masculinity!

Back in the old days of Queen Victoria's reign, people believed that being a man meant that you had to be strong, tough, and in control of your emotions. Men were supposed to be the head of the household and provide for their families. They were also supposed to be good at things like hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Dressing a certain way was also important for men back then. They would wear suits and hats, which made them look important and powerful. They also had to keep their hair cut short and neat, and be clean-shaven.

People in Victorian times also thought it was important for men to be polite and well-mannered. They were supposed to treat women with respect and never show any weakness or vulnerability. This meant that men had to hide their emotions and not cry or complain about anything.

So, to sum it up, Victorian masculinity was all about being strong, tough, and in control, while also being polite and well-mannered. It was a very strict idea of what it meant to be a man, and it was something that people took very seriously back then.
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