Boys will be boys....or will they?

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This phrase is widely used throughout discourse in the 20th and 21st Century in regards to the white male's stupidity. As innocent as it sounds (like in the instance of describing two small boys wrestling), it is often used to simply mask the beginnings of toxic masculinity. All too often the phrase "boys will be boys" is used to explain an event that would otherwise be punishable or seen as wrong. This mentality is seen throughout Shakespeare, and especially within the context of Measure for Measure.

Though Angelo is often referred to as the epitome of toxic masculinity throughout this play, it can be inferred that all of the males exhibit one or more warning signs pertaining to the topic. I mean; Angelo is all "Who's going to believe some little nun like you, over the most powerful man in the country like me?" with Isabella, so he's a definite contender there. However, Isabelle's own brother is seen to be encouraging his sister to sleep with Angelo, just so he himself can get out of jail. He's willing to sacrifice Isabella's faith and beliefs for his own gain. Not cool man.

Now, I can never figure out if the Duke is in to this whole "Boys will be boys" thing; because he's never truly present in the play. I feel like he endorses it, with his meddlings existing purely to create more havoc in the play; but his motives seem to come from a place of wanting power, rather than exploiting the power he already has.

Toxic masculinity is wrong Shakespeare! When will you learn?

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