USA - Men
Donald Trump had boasted during the campaign that he would get more support from Black men and Latino men than he had before – a trend that appears to have materialised, particularly among Hispanics. About 8 in 10 Black voters backed Harris, down from the roughly 9 in 10 who backed Joe Biden four years ago, according to a VoteCast survey of voters for AP. More than half of Hispanic voters supported Harris, but that was down from the roughly 6 in 10 who backed Biden in 2020. Men 18-44 swung to Trump after being a small but important segment of Biden's win in 2020. Biden's seven-point advantage with this group evaporated on November 5, with Trump holding a six-point advantage over Harris, while also boosting his share of men over 45.
Kristina Monllos and Seb Joseph wrote November 8, 2024 "Adin Ross, Andrew Schulz and, of course, Joe Rogan. These voices in the so-called “manosphere” – a loosely defined group of misogynistic, male influencers – are shaping the cultural zeitgeist more than ever. Trump knew it too. In the final stretch of his campaign, he spent hours on their podcasts and streams. He reached millions of conservative and indifferent listeners, casting himself as one of them – a symbol of high-profile influence and a paragon of fame. For many younger voters who largely consume news through social feeds instead of mainstream outlets, it was their first real glimpse of Trump. Through these appearances, Trump worked to soften and legitimatise himself, recasting extremist views through the humour lens that propels figures like Tony Hinchcliffe. Above all, he used them to drive voter turnout. For marketers, this success has reignited a familiar worry. The rapid churn of digital culture amplifies both the benefits and risks of engaging with influencers, forcing marketers to confront long-avoided questions with fresh urgency – inside and outside the manosphere.
“As someone who’s deeply involved in the influencer marketing world, I’ve definitely noticed how Trump’s 2024 campaign and the rise of the ‘manosphere’ are shaking things up for brands,” said Ellen Flowers, influencer and editor of fashion blog The Perennial Style. “It’s a huge shift from traditional media to digital content creators, especially as influencers are playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping political conversations.” .... Still, the impact of the manosphere for Trump is evident – men under 30 favored him by 18 points, according to a CBS exit poll. For marketers, that’s a complex puzzle to piece together.... Trump’s re-election has undeniably elevated the manosphere as a formidable influencer network, yet it leaves marketers divided on whether the appeal of this demographic is worth the reputational risks that come with association.""
The idea of a "masculinity crisis" is a complex and often debated topic in contemporary culture. It generally refers to the perception that traditional notions of masculinity are being challenged, leading to uncertainty, confusion, or distress among men regarding their roles and identities. This concept is often discussed in various contexts, such as social changes, economic shifts, and evolving gender norms.
The term "manly man" often refers to a stereotypical image of a man who embodies traditional masculine traits, such as physical strength, ruggedness, and a confident demeanor. He might be portrayed with a muscular build, a square jawline, a beard or stubble, and wearing attire like a flannel shirt, leather jacket, or something similar that emphasizes his masculinity. The setting might include a rugged environment, like a forest, a workshop, or an outdoor scene, reinforcing the "manly" vibe.
Men have been the dominant sex since, well, the dawn of mankind. And yet, as Atlantic magazine senior editor Hanna Rosin discovered, that long-held truth is no longer true. At this unprecedented moment, women are no longer merely gaining on men; they have pulled decisively ahead by almost every measure. "Plastic women," adaptable in a changing economy and culture,, dominate institutions of higher education and steadily infiltrate the cubicles and boardrooms of a corporate America, and no longer need men to be the breadwinners. . . "Cardboard men," especially working-class and unskilled men, forced out of their factory jobs by the growing industrial flight, struggle to find purpose and employment in an evolving economy that values brains over brawn and the ability to build teams over handiness with a hammer. Already “the end of men”—the phrase Rosin coined—has entered the lexicon as indelibly as Betty Friedan’s “feminine mystique,” Simone de Beauvoir’s “second sex,” Susan Faludi’s “backlash,” and Naomi Wolf’s “beauty myth”. Rosin is not saying that women are winners in a global gender war or that they are doing super simply because men are doing worse. She’s just saying women are adapting to today’s economy more flexibly and resiliently than men. There’s a lot of evidence to support her case.
Brookings Institution scholar, Richard V. Reeves argued that boys and men are struggling. Profound economic and social changes of recent decades have many losing ground in the classroom, the workplace, and in the family. While the lives of women have changed, the lives of many men have remained the same or even worsened. Attitudes, institutions, and laws have failed to keep up. Conservative and progressive politicians, mired in their own ideological warfare, fail to provide thoughtful solutions.
Reeves notes that in 1972, when the U.S. government passed the landmark Title IX laws to promote gender equality in education, there was a 12 percentage-point gap in the proportion of bachelor’s degrees going to men compared to women. By 1982, the gap had closed. Nobody predicted what happened next: the gap started to widen rapidly in the opposite direction. By 2019, the gender gap in bachelor awards was wider, at 14 points, than it had been in 1972 — but the other way round.
Research from YouGov in 2016 showed that the muscular masculinity of decades past is a fading feature of American life for the young. Americans were asked to rate themselves on a scale of 0 to 6, there 0 is 'completely masculine' and 6 is 'completely feminine'. 65% of men over the age of 65 said that they are 'completely masculine, while only 28% of men aged 30 to 44 and 30% of men aged 18 to 29 said the same. Among under-30s, 13% put themselves halfway between the masculine and the feminine, while 12% said that they are at least slightly feminine. Only 4% of over-65 men said that they are at all feminine.
Masculinity in Crisis: Myths [1994] by Roger Horrocks argued that masculine identity is in deep crisis in Western culture - the old forms are disintegrating, while men struggle to establish new relations with women and with each other. This book offers a fresh look at gender, particularly masculinity, by using material from the author's work as a psychotherapist. The book also considers the contrubtions made by feminism, sociology and anthropology to the study of gender, and suggests that it must be studied from an interdisciplinary standpoint. Masculity is seen to have economic, political and psychological roots, but the concrete development of gender must be traced in the relations of the male infant with his parents. Here the young boy has to separate from his mother, and his own proto-feminine identity, and identify with his father - but in Western culture fathering is often deficient. Male identity is shown to be fractured, fragile and truncated. Men are trained to be rational and violent, and to shut out whole areas of existence and feeling. Many stereotypes imprison men - particularly machismo, which is shown to be deeply masochistic and self-destructive.
Traditional gender roles have been shifting, with greater emphasis on gender equality and the breaking down of stereotypical "masculine" and "feminine" behaviors. This shift can create a sense of uncertainty for some men who grew up with or are influenced by more traditional views on gender roles. Economic transformations, such as the decline of manufacturing jobs and the rise of the service economy, have impacted traditional male-dominated industries. This can lead to feelings of disempowerment among men who previously found identity and status through these roles. There is a growing awareness of mental health issues, and societal expectations are increasingly encouraging men to express emotions and seek help. However, these expectations may conflict with traditional views of masculinity that emphasize stoicism and self-reliance, leading to internal conflict.
Media portrayals of men and masculinity have also evolved. Some narratives celebrate more diverse and sensitive expressions of masculinity, while others criticize or satirize traditional masculinity, potentially causing confusion about what it means to "be a man" today. White Masculinity in Crisis in Hollywood’s Fin de Millennium Cinema by Pete Deakin claims that Hollywood cinema had a significant relationship with the millennial crisis of masculinity. From Fight Club (Fincher, 1999) and American Psycho (Harron, 2000), to Office Space (Judge, 1999), The Matrix (Wachowski’s, 1999) and American Beauty (Mendes, 1999), Pete Deakin attests that alongside the emergent “crisis” came a definitive body of some twenty-five Hollywood “crisis” titles; each film with a representational concern for the apparent “masculine malaise”. Asking whether Hollywood helped create, propel or sooth the very notion of the crisis-of-masculinity at this time, Deakin engages with some important cultural questions: how discursive—or even authentic—was it, and more vitally, whose actual crisis was this?
Stories of world-ending catastrophe have featured prominently in film and television. Zombie apocalypses, climate disasters, alien invasions, global pandemics and dystopian world orders fill our screens--typically with a singular figure or tenacious group tasked with saving or salvaging the world. Why are stories of End Times crisis so popular with audiences? And why is the hero so often a white man who overcomes personal struggles and major obstacles to lead humanity toward a restored future?
Apocalypse and Heroism in Popular Culture: Allegories of White Masculinity in Crisis by Katherine E. Sugg examines the familiar trope of the hero and the recasting of contemporary anxieties in films like The Walking Dead, Snowpiercer and Mad Max: Fury Road. Some have familiar roots in Western cultural traditions yet many question popular assumptions about heroes and heroism to tell new and fascinating stories about race, gender and society and the power of individuals to change the world.
Some men perceive advancements in women's rights and gender equality as a threat to their own status and identity. This can contribute to a sense of crisis, particularly among those who feel that traditional male roles are being undermined or devalued. The idea that masculinity is toxic has seeped deeply into western civilization. Masculinity is blamed for the actions of those outside of the norms that have been set forth over hundreds of years. Movements like #MeToo and discussions around toxic masculinity have brought attention to the negative aspects of traditional masculinity, such as aggression and dominance. While these discussions are necessary, they can also provoke defensive reactions and a sense of being under attack among some men.
As progressivism changes American society, and globalism shifts labor away from traditional manufacturing, the roles that have been prescribed to men since the Industrial Revolution have been rendered obsolete. Donald Trump's campaign successfully leveraged male resentment and entitlement, and now, with Trump as president and the rise of the #MeToo movement, current definitions of masculinity seem outdated and even dangerous. Young Men Research Initiative on 12 August 2024 released survey data of American young men’s media consumption and influencers, sports, views on masculinity as well as their romantic relationships. As Elon Musk interviewed Donald Trump, provided a powerful megaphone for the former president, who he has also endorsed. 68% of young men in the survey said they “like” Musk, among the highest influencers tested. As one explanation, the survey found that “entrepreneur” was the most admired career among young men, particularly for young black men. Wrestlers like “The Rock” and John Cena were THE most liked influencers tested, even more than top professional athletes, suggesting some opportunities for the left to cultivate popular male influencers that are not already politically coded.
New right influencers have tremendous resonance with this audience. Andrew Tate, who is extremely active on Twitter and has stoked far-right riots in the UK this month, is not a fringe figure: he is liked by half of young men (half of those claim they don’t trust his views, but they are still absorbing them). Shauna Daly, Co-Founder of YMRI, said “Young men’s movement to the right is being fueled by their consumption of right-leaning media and influencers, with little competition from comparable figures on the left. The trust young American men have in Elon Musk, Andrew Tate and others impacts not only their vote choice, but also their offline actions, as we have seen in the UK this month, and their views of women. This challenge requires an urgency and focus–in studying the problem, and in creating competitive media and communications.”
A 2024 poll on Gen Z’s ideological attitudes has revealed a concerning trend: a growing divide between men and women on social and political issues. Women are increasingly identifying as liberal, while men are shifting toward more conservative views. This divide is most evident in attitudes toward gender-related issues and is not confined to a single region but is seen globally, in countries as diverse as the US, Germany, South Korea, and Tunisia.
As marriage and birth rates decline across many countries, millennials and Gen Z are redefining long-term commitment. Younger generations in several nations are increasingly embracing alternative and non-traditional marriage trends, prompting discussions about the evolving nature of conventional marriage frameworks and their potential effects on society and the economy.
Nearly 40% of the men aged 18-29 cohort said they have never been in a serious relationship. About half agree with all of the following statements: “A serious relationship is too big a time commitment”; “A serious relationship is too big an emotional commitment;” “A serious relationship is too big a financial commitment;” “When it comes to relationships, there are too many social norms and rules for what is expected of someone like me”.
The term "incel" is short for "involuntary celibate." It refers to an online subculture primarily consisting of men who express extreme frustration, anger, or resentment about their lack of sexual or romantic relationships. The incel community is often characterized by misogynistic views, with some members blaming women or society at large for their perceived rejection and lack of sexual opportunities. The incel subculture has gained notoriety due to its association with extreme and sometimes violent ideologies. Some individuals who identify as incels have been involved in or have promoted acts of violence, leading to significant concern and scrutiny from both media and law enforcement.
The term itself originally had a more neutral connotation, used by people (of any gender) who were struggling with loneliness and the inability to form relationships. However, over time, it has become more associated with negative and harmful ideologies, particularly within certain online communities.
Some men embrace the evolving definitions of masculinity, recognizing the value of emotional intelligence, equality, and new roles in society. Others may respond with hostility or retreat into more rigid traditionalist views, sometimes leading to the promotion of hyper-masculine or reactionary ideologies. Many individuals and organizations are engaging in discussions around masculinity, aiming to redefine it in a way that allows men to thrive in a changing world while maintaining healthy and positive identities.
The "masculinity crisis" is not universally accepted as a crisis, but rather as a reflection of ongoing societal changes and the challenges some men face in navigating them.
In the lead-up to the 05 November 2024 vote, opinion polls showed an erosion of Black support for Harris, particularly among young African American males. While some experts disputed the polling methodology, others put it down to misogyny. Obama tried a tough love approach, speaking “some truth” to “the brothers” in Pennsylvania. “I'm speaking to men directly – part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren't feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you're coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that,” said Obama. His comments sparked a backlash among many African American men, who accused the first Black president of “lecturing” and “belittling” them.
Black men have voted at higher rates for reproductive rights than men from other racial groups, noted Rashawn Ray and Keon Gilbert, fellows at the Washington DC-based Brookings Institute, in their report, “Why are Black men mad at Obama”. The “biggest” reason for the disenchantment is because “many Black men feel left out and forgotten by the Democratic Party. They are tired of feeling as if their voice is not heard or that they only matter on issues of policing and criminal justice reform”, said Ray and Gilbert.
Among African American voters, Trump in 2024 was able to double his vote share of young Black men. About three in 10 Black men under the age of 45 went for Trump, roughly double the number he got in 2020. The success of the Trump campaign’s outreach to Latino and Black voters has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 elections. It came despite the Republican candidate’s record of anti-immigrant and racist insults. But at a time of soaring high costs, Trump’s message resonated with unemployed and low-paid Black and Latino workers.
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder
the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that they are related to mental health conditions in children and adolescents. The WHO labels it as "gaming disorder" and has defined it as impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming time despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), video game addiction is defined as the steady and repetitive use of the Internet to play games frequently with different gamers, which leads to clinically significant distress and psychological changes as demonstrated by five or more criteria in a year
increases in dopamine (DA) levels in the brain are associated with pleasure and euphoria the DA theory of addiction explains the powerful activation of mesolimbic DA, which is a strong feature of every addictive substance.
although video games may look innocent, they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs and just as difficult of a habit to break
https://catholicgentleman.com/2023/11/the-problem-behind-the-problem-of-video-games/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/video-games-young-adult-depression/#:~:text=They%20also%20reported%20that%20young,%E2%80%9Cchicken%20and%20egg%E2%80%9D%20scenario.
problem-solving skills are better learned while solving problems, a
The problem is that for many young men, video games have become a substitute for living. They’re so addictive and soul-consuming that they’re unlike other leisure activities.
millions of people, disproportionately young men, are caught in the throes of video games, which often involve many players engaging at once. The hand-eye coordination of these men is no doubt impressive, plus they form friendships and learn to work through problems in teams.
Some 66 percent of men looking for jobs aged 20 to 24 were employed in 2016, compared to 82 percent of those 25 to 29
Men aged 21 to 30 worked 12 percent fewer hours in 2015 than in 2000. The percent of young men who worked zero weeks over the course of a year doubled in that period, to an alarming 15 percent. Those working hours were largely replaced by gaming, and fully 35 percent of young men now live with their parents or other close relatives, up from 23 percent in 2000. Their unemployment rate jumped by 10 percent.
The things that typically draw in young men, even when unhealthy or imperfect, share a sense of loyalty and solidarity, with the nobility of self-sacrifice being praised and selfishness being punished. The military, gangs, and sports – things dominated by males – all share a belonging, a hierarchy of codes and authority, and the call to do daring and dangerous feats. They are ways of living and belonging, and the dangers is are not just for the cheapness of “thrill” but in the willingness to sacrifice for a cause – to be for others and for a mission.
society seems to have come to a truce about male aggression by keeping boys safely locked up in air-conditioned rooms (first aid kits in the bathroom) while letting them play grotesquely violent video games taking the expectations and experiences of power, danger, and adventure away and gaming companies offer an imitated substitute and sell it to them.
* Games give the sense of achievement and identity that traditional rites of passage would have done.
While many depressed individuals look for any number of ways to get a dopamine hit for their thirsty, isolated minds, a growing number of young adults are finding that the more screen time they engage in, the less likely they are to develop relationships and can begin to interpret their virtual screen worlds as their social networks. The invention of characters to hide behind, virtual worlds to explore, and the lack of any external realities to distract us makes an inviting place to immerse oneself, especially if school, relationships, and life in general becomes too overwhelming.
Young men are more likely than young women to develop video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder (IGD):
Brain differences
MRI scans show that gaming activates more craving-related activity in the male brain. Males may also be more sensitive to rewards and less sensitive to losses than females.
Maladaptive cognitions
Adolescent males with gaming disorder may have unhealthy thinking patterns about self-expectations and beliefs. For example, they may overvalue the rewards of gaming and be unwilling to stop playing if they haven't completed certain tasks.
Mental health
Gaming addiction can be linked to depression, loneliness, and social anxiety. Young men with gaming addiction may also be more likely to use maladaptive coping mechanisms when dealing with mental health issues.
Young men addicted to video games is a topic of growing concern, as gaming can impact various aspects of life, including mental health, relationships, academic or professional performance, and overall well-being. While gaming itself is not inherently harmful and can even offer benefits like improved problem-solving skills, teamwork, and relaxation, excessive or addictive gaming may lead to negative consequences. Below are some key insights and considerations:
Causes of Gaming Addiction
Escapism: Games provide an escape from real-life challenges, stress, or negative emotions.
Dopamine Rewards: Many video games are designed to be highly engaging, offering constant rewards that stimulate the brain's dopamine system.
Social Connection: Online multiplayer games can create a sense of belonging and community, which may be lacking in other areas of life.
Achievement: Games offer structured goals and achievements, providing a sense of progress and success that may be hard to find elsewhere.
Immersion: Open-world or role-playing games provide deeply immersive experiences, making it easy to lose track of time.
Signs of Video Game Addiction
Neglect of Responsibilities: Ignoring school, work, or household duties to play games.
Sleep Deprivation: Staying up late to game, leading to fatigue and health problems.
Social Isolation: Preferring virtual interactions over real-life relationships.
Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to play.
Loss of Interest: Disinterest in other hobbies or activities once enjoyed.
Physical Symptoms: Poor posture, eye strain, or repetitive strain injuries.
Impacts of Gaming Addiction
Mental Health: Increased anxiety, depression, or stress from over-gaming.
Academic/Work Performance: Poor grades or job performance due to lack of focus.
Relationships: Strained relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners.
Physical Health: Sedentary behavior leading to obesity or other health issues.
Financial Strain: Spending excessive money on games, subscriptions, or in-game purchases.
Solutions and Coping Strategies
Set Time Limits: Use tools or parental controls to restrict gaming hours.
Find Alternative Hobbies: Encourage participation in sports, music, or other offline activities.
Develop Healthy Routines: Establish a balanced schedule with time for gaming, work, and socializing.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy or counseling can help address underlying issues and develop healthier habits.
Parental Involvement: For young men still living at home, parents can encourage open communication and enforce boundaries.
Social Support: Encourage real-world socialization to build meaningful connections outside gaming.
Gamify Other Areas: Incorporate game-like elements into study, work, or fitness goals to make them engaging.
When to Seek Help
If gaming is causing significant harm to someone's personal, academic, or professional life, it may be time to seek help. Behavioral therapists or specialists in gaming addiction can offer tailored support.
While gaming addiction is a growing issue, understanding its root causes and taking proactive measures can help young men regain control over their time and lives.
The term "incel" is short for "involuntary celibate" and refers to individuals, typically men, who struggle to find romantic or sexual partners despite wanting such relationships. Over time, the term has taken on a broader cultural significance, often associated with certain online communities and subcultures.
Characteristics of Incel Communities
Core Beliefs:
Incels often believe that societal norms and biological factors (e.g., looks, height, or status) heavily disadvantage them in the dating world.
A common view is that women prefer a small percentage of highly attractive or wealthy men, leaving "average" or "below-average" men without partners. This is sometimes referred to as the "80/20 rule" or "hypergamy."
Subculture Online:
Incels frequently congregate on internet forums and platforms (like Reddit, 4chan, or standalone forums) to share experiences, vent frustrations, or discuss their views on relationships.
These forums often include self-deprecating humor, nihilism, and a critique of societal expectations of masculinity.
Toxic Elements:
While some incels use these spaces for support, others harbor resentment toward women and society. This can sometimes manifest in misogyny, fatalism, or even endorsement of violence.
Notable incidents, such as attacks by individuals identifying as incels (e.g., Elliot Rodger in 2014), have drawn public and media attention, sparking debates about the dangers of extremism within these groups.
"Black Pill" Ideology:
Some incels subscribe to the "black pill" philosophy, a nihilistic worldview that relationships are impossible for them due to immutable characteristics (e.g., looks, genetics).
This view contrasts with the "red pill" ideology (from the manosphere), which believes men can improve their status and success with women through self-improvement.
Criticism and Responses
Criticism:
Incel communities are often criticized for promoting misogyny, reinforcing harmful stereotypes, and failing to address root causes like mental health or self-esteem issues.
Some view the term "incel" as overly reductive, ignoring broader societal issues like loneliness, isolation, and the changing dynamics of relationships.
Responses:
Discussions about incels often overlap with broader societal debates about masculinity, loneliness, and the effects of social media and modern dating culture.
Many experts argue for the need to address these issues with empathy and understanding rather than dismissal, focusing on combating toxic ideologies while providing healthy avenues for self-improvement and connection.
Moving Forward
The incel phenomenon is part of a larger discussion about the challenges of modern relationships, social isolation, and the role of online communities in shaping identity and belief systems. While there are toxic elements in some incel spaces, addressing the root causes—such as improving mental health resources, combating loneliness, and fostering positive discussions around masculinity—may offer constructive ways forward.
Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger died by suicide in a Cybertruck that exploded in front of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. The political message of torching a Musk Cybertruck in front of a Trump hotel was clear : “This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?... Military and vets move on DC starting now. Militias facilitate and augment this activity. Occupy every major road along fed buildings and the campus of fed buildings by the hundreds of thousands. Lock the highways around down with semis right after everybody gets in. Hold until the purge is complete. Try peaceful means first, but be prepared to fight to get the Dems out of the fed government and military by any means necessary. They all must go and a hard reset must occur for our country to avoid collapse."
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