DeepSummary
In this episode, hosts Matt Sittman and Sam Eatherbau explore the concept of masculinity and the supposed 'crisis of men' in modern society. They discuss two books on the topic - 'Manhood' by Senator Josh Hawley and 'Manliness' by Harvard political theorist Harvey Mansfield. The discussion revolves around how conservatives view masculinity, traditional gender roles, and how men should behave according to these authors.
Hawley's book is heavily rooted in Christianity and biblical stories, promoting ideals of men as warriors, builders, priests, and kings. It critiques liberal individualism and advocates for men to embrace duty and responsibility. In contrast, Mansfield's book takes a more philosophical approach, acknowledging the complexities and paradoxes of masculinity while grappling with the notion of a gender-neutral society.
The hosts examine the strengths and weaknesses of these perspectives, acknowledging the appeal of clear-cut prescriptions for masculinity while also recognizing the limitations and potential dangers. They ponder how the left could offer an alternative vision of manhood that embraces solidarity, humility, and self-affirmation without resorting to traditionalism or feeling apologetic.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Conservative authors like Josh Hawley and Harvey Mansfield promote traditional, religious, and duty-bound notions of masculinity that they view as essential for societal stability.
- The liberal left has struggled to offer a compelling alternative vision of positive masculinity, often defaulting to a therapeutic or technocratic framing of the 'crisis of men.'
- There is a need for the left to engage more directly with questions of masculine identity and virtues like solidarity, humility, and self-affirmation without feeling apologetic.
- Queer communities and their emphasis on self-acceptance may offer valuable lessons for redefining masculinity in a more inclusive and affirming way.
- Masculinity is a complex and multifaceted concept, encompassing elements of protection, confidence, duty, and vulnerability that defy simplistic prescriptions.
- While critiquing aspects of traditional masculinity, it is essential to avoid perpetuating hierarchies of oppression or dismissing the genuine struggles and questions many men face regarding their identity and purpose.
- Fostering meaningful friendships and support networks among men could help counter trends of isolation, aimlessness, and toxic expressions of masculinity.
- Engaging with diverse cultural and philosophical perspectives, beyond just religious or scientific frameworks, may enrich our understanding of masculinity and its role in society.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “No menace to this nation is greater than the collapse of american manhood, the collapse of masculine strength.“ by Josh Hawley
- “At the heart of liberty, wrote Justices Sandra Day O'Connor, Anthony Kennedy, and David Souder, is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life.“ by Justices Sandra Day O'Connor, Anthony Kennedy, and David Souder
- “Manliness is knowing how to be confident in situations where sufficient knowledge is not available.“ by Harvey Mansfield
- “When I tried to nail down what masculinity is, what imperative gives rise to all this pain seeking and stoicism, the showboating asceticism and loud silence, I come back to this. Masculinity is an abstract rage to protect.“ by Phil Christman
- “I think at some point as a young person, between the time where I started being like, oh, it's bad to be a man, and the time where I was later on being like, well, it's okay to be a man. I'm this kind of man, is that he spent a lot of time with friends who were queer.“ by Sam Eatherbau's friend
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Episode Information
Know Your Enemy
Matthew Sitman
6/5/23