Part 9/11:
An intriguing aspect of the self-help genre is the contrasting approaches to motivational content aimed at different genders. Typically, female-oriented self-improvement is colorful and optimistic, focusing on joyful aspirations and self-care. Conversely, male-targeted content tends to be darker, emphasizing grit and stoicism.
This dichotomy leads to unhealthy stereotypes, particularly for men, who are often portrayed as needing to overcome their emotions and surround themselves with a cloak of sadness to prove they are serious about success. Ideally, self-improvement content should cater to emotional well-being for everyone, rather than pandering to problematic gender norms.