(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Nobody considers mass murder to be traditionally masculine. But that phrase, "toxic masculinity," has become a "catchall explanation for male sexism, dominance, and violence. Men today feel discouraged, devalued, and demoralized."
Cadets at West Point were asked to describe the traits of a "good man." They easily identified "honor, duty, integrity, sacrifice, be responsible, do the right thing, be a protector and provider." The hero of yesterday's story was using his traits to save lives.
Masculine traits are not inherently toxic; they are good when directed to good ends, as the hero showed.
Then they were asked to describe a "real man." Their answer was "Oh, that's completely different! Tough, strong, win at all costs, get rich, get laid, never show weakness." That's the tension we feel in today's culture, that a real man is not a good man.
The Washington Post ran this article by a college professor: "Why Can't We Hate Men?"
from The Toxic War on Masculinity
(cont'd next week, how did we get to this point?)
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