[Crossposted from Facebook]
Unlike other conservative-leaning folks, I believe that it exists. However, a lot of the confusion comes from its poor name.
Toxic masculinity is what results when boys aren’t trained to channel their masculinity as they mature. Aggression, competitiveness etc. are instinctive traits more common (or common in greater strength) among human males than human females, and that’s neither a bug nor a feature; it’s how things are. Part of the purpose of any culture or civilization is to train its young — to “civilize the next generation of barbarians” — and part of THAT is to help youth of either sex channel instinctive propensities into activities/skills/traits that are not only socially acceptable, but useful and constructive.
The symptoms labeled “toxic masculinity” are what results when masculine instincts are insufficiently addressed and modeled for maturing males. Absent, absentee or uninvolved fathers, lack of laudable male role models, and communities which don’t support strong and responsible male roles result in physically mature males whose physical and sexual aggression has grown wild.
“Toxic” masculinity is better labeled FERAL masculinity. And the great irony is that the factions in our society which decry it the loudest are those which have reduced the prevalence and influence of those influences and institutions which would result in bridled, civilized masculinity.
Very well put. I think you’ve put a finger on a major reason we have feral masculinity, and I think the name fits much better.
And on another completely different topic, I want postcard sets of all your movie posters. Where can buy them?
I’ve got a few posters that aren’t on postcards yet– wait until I get those ordered, and then we’ll do some commerce.
My thoughts exactly. The same people who’ve done their best to destroy the family and who’ve forbidden parents from disciplining their children are now in a panic to control the very monsters they have created.