Navigating the complexities of societal expectations regarding masculinity, actor Justin Baldoni, renowned for his portrayal of Rafael in "Jane the Virgin," candidly shared his personal odyssey to redefine the concept of "being a man" in a compelling TEDWomen 2017 talk. Despite frequently embodying the Hollywood archetype of the "tall, dark, and handsome" figure, Baldoni divulged the internal conflict arising from his off-screen conformity to societal norms.

Baldoni humorously acknowledged his history of being typecast into roles exuding machismo, charisma, and power, often depicted as the quintessential bad boy or playboy with a mysterious past. Yet, the actor disclosed a misalignment between these on-screen portrayals and his genuine self-perception. This dissonance extended beyond his professional life, leading to a realization that he was living a facade, attempting to mirror society's masculine ideal.

The actor's transformative journey over the past few years became a focal point of his TED Talk, during which he shared three pivotal realizations that reshaped his understanding of masculinity and manhood.

Firstly, Baldoni emphasized the importance of vulnerability in men. He revealed his initial success in publicly expressing emotions, particularly on social media, but noted a significant gender disparity among his followers. While women responded positively, the challenge lay in encouraging openness among his male peers. Baldoni observed a societal paradox where men readily share opinions on topics like work, sports, and politics but become reticent when it comes to insecurities and struggles. He recounted a personal experience of mustering the courage to discuss a profound issue with his male friends during a three-day trip, realizing that his vulnerability granted permission for others to do the same.

Secondly, the actor stressed the necessity for men to hold themselves and others accountable. As Baldoni engaged more with his male counterparts, he became acutely aware of toxic masculinity prevalent in various aspects of life. One illustrative incident involved an Instagram comment disparaging a photo of him and his wife as "gay shit." Rather than dismissing the comment, Baldoni initiated a thoughtful conversation with the individual. The exchange revealed the commenter's own insecurities, demonstrating that holding men accountable and creating a safe space could prompt transformative change.

Thirdly, Baldoni encouraged men to embrace positive aspects of traditional masculinity with a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the virtues of strength, bravery, and confidence, he urged men to contemplate the practical implications of these qualities. He posed thought-provoking questions, challenging men to be brave enough to be vulnerable, strong enough to be sensitive, and confident enough to listen to the women in their lives. Baldoni urged men to confront toxic behaviors, such as 'locker room talk,' advocating for a redefinition of energy spent on achieving these virtues.

In the concluding moments of his talk, Baldoni acknowledged a critical point — that as detrimental as the "performance of masculinity" is for men, it imposes even graver consequences on women. He lamented the insufficient time to delve into issues like the gender pay gap, division of household labor, and violence against women, all of which are perpetuated by toxic male behavior. Calling for action, Baldoni challenged men to demand better of themselves and those around them, asserting that mere words are no longer adequate for those aspiring to be part of the solution.