ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of the literacy practices of men on sports-related online comment boards. Although these electronic discussion boards are often derided for being full of bullying or demeaning comments, they are not homogeneous in nature. Rather, they demonstrate what Bakhtin identifies as the constant ideological struggle over language. In these sites, while some men use the biased and aggressive language associated with toxic masculinity, other male contributors use their writing to assert a more inclusive model of masculinity. This chapter suggests the need to identify the multiple ways toxic masculinity can be expressed in order to push back against it and shares examples drawn from dozens of comment boards. In addition, the chapter will suggest that those concerned with gender equity should support the developing language and writing practices of an inclusive masculinity, and the chapter shares a few examples of what this might look like.
