The Atlantic - In Praise of Heroic Masulinity

This is a long piece, and it wouldn't make sense to copy and paste it here, but if anyone is interested in a really valuable, accurate and inspiring take on "masculinity" in today's society, this article from The Atlantic is exceptional.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/heroic-toxic-masculinity-boys/675172/

Yes. "Toxic Masculinity" does exist. But so does, as coined by the writer, "Heroic Masculinity."

So if you're a woman leaning towards "all men bad" or demanding behavior that doesn't acknowledge certain truths, or a man with "faux-masculinity" who leans towards "all women bad" and "poor me," this would be a really good one to read.

At the very least for the dudes, it offers something to aspire to. And women as well. "Heroic" isn't defined by gender.

My take is that you don't ever need to feel that, as a man, you should turn away or apologize from helping, protecting and defending others for fear of it being seen as "toxic." That's not it.

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Burnley123 · 41-45, M

I think its necessary to redifine masculinity in a positive sense but without the opinions of Andrew Tait or Jordan Peterson.

Ynotisay · M

@Burnley123 Totally agree. They prey on lost puppies. Many of whom who live the majority of their lives through screens. Those guys are predators for money.

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Ceinwyn · 26-30, F

It certainly does exist. And the world can be a better place for it.

Piper · 61-69, F

I wish I could read the whole article, based on what I was able to read without subscribing. Not because I do or have ever thought all or most men are "bad", at all, but because so many people seem confused and or angry by the just the term "toxic masculinity".

Ynotisay · M

@Piper Yeah. It's a good point. What I see is that it has a specific meaning, which is valid, but it's been moved out to encapsulate any male behavior, some of it hardwired, that some don't like. And when that happens, which isn't unusual with these types of catch-phrases, the meaning changes and it it diminishes the original definition.

Piper · 61-69, F

@Ynotisay I think you summed up well, what has been happening. I've been thinking of specific instances, but I think they probably simplify it too much.

Bumbles · 51-55, M

Caitlin Flanagan is always interesting. Scott Galloway has been speaking about this as well.

Ynotisay · M

@Bumbles I saw her on an episode with Bill Maher a long time ago and got curious. You're right. She is an interesting writer. One of those who gets shit on by both the right and left. And that's because she holds the mirror up and calls out hypocrisy. I don't know Scott Galloway but I'll check him out. Thanks.

Bumbles · 51-55, M

@Ynotisay I saw her on Maher, too. Galloway has a podcast. Yes, he's a tech millionaire guy, but has a very intelligent take on things, and has also been on Mayer a few times.

Ynotisay · M

@Bumbles Yeah. I checked him out. Interesting background, (not always on board with the marketing folks of the world) but he seems to be a solid, reasonable man who leans towards sticking up for the little guy. Thanks for the heads up.

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