Just about every literature book discusses a male in power who has cried publicly. During that time tears meant that a man cared enough to show his emotions. Until recently, society has set a precedent that strong men don't cry. To "Suck it up" and to deal with whatever the world throws at them without shedding a single tear.
I personally believe that just as women need an outlet so do men regardless of societal norms.
Theres definitely a deep rooted cultural notion that men are stoic.