How many times can the phrase “toxic masculinity” be used in a sentence?

I never use this phrase: there is as much “toxic femininity” as “toxic masculinity” in our culture – and you’re kidding yourself if you deny it.

Recently, at a lecture on 19th-century English literature, I heard the phrase “toxic masculinity” several times.  Oddly, an aging male scholar used it. And, because I’m a Doris Lessing fan, and she denied she was a feminist, and because I want nothing to do with feminist quacks, I have lost the feminist ideals that defined me in my youth. I always wonder, What is the context? What is the source? Or when a man uses the phrase “male toxicity,” is it because he is afraid not to kowtow to women?

Look at female politicians. (They don’t mind being looked at.)  Like male politicians, a number of them are hawkish and unreasonable.  In some states, not only have female governors signed bills into law that ascertain everyone and anyone can carry a gun, but they have waived gun permits, and lowered the age for gun ownership. 

And they say that it is preferable for everyone to carry a gun, and that armed teachers will stop school shootings. As soon as women get political power, they copy the men.

And so if we must use the phrase “masculine toxicity,” we must add  “Toxic femininity” too.  Can you imagine a woman using the phrase “toxic femininity?” No, because it is sexist, for both sexes.

“Male dominance” doesn’t quite have the witch-hunting tone of “male toxicity.” In general, I feel more attention should be given to language, because words can trigger violence against both men and women.