General Discussion

Young men fall into 2 camps; those very comfortable outside gender norms and stereotypes and those who are deeply resistant to changing gender roles and norms.

Men used to have to conform to being the breadwinner and being uninvolved in family life. They were taught to not show emotion, never ever cry. Everyone had a very clear part to play. They weren’t authentically themselves. They built a veneer….wore a mask.

Some young men somehow knew of how things used to be (not sure if it was TV, parents or other social conditioning). They would much prefer the veneer. Everything would be so clear for them if they could wear the mask and be an inauthentic character, where they knew who to be (even if it meant keeping women as second class citizens). Why?

Because at least then they wouldn’t be judged on their most authentic version of themselves. To be vulnerable, show their emotions, being very honest with the people in their lives….all that is terrifying. Women might reject who they REALLY are. And that scares them.

When young men are fearful of being authentic, it means that they don’t love themselves deep down inside. If they loved themselves, they’d be secure. They wouldn’t fear that judgement. They could be vulnerable and handle any rejection because they know they’re great and many people will love them for who they are (just not everyone).

Little do men know that being authentic is what most women want. Most of us find it endearing. ❤️. That’s what intimacy is built on.

It’s really tempting to judge these young Gen Z-ers from our own sense of victimization. But, I’ve giving up being a victim of anything. We will figure it out as a group.

If there’s one way to describe MAGA, young or old, it’s as a group that has a lot of self loathing. They turn it outward on everyone else. I’m choosing compassion instead. That doesn’t mean we ought not try to make the world a better place, but fundamentally, if we want more love in the world, we need to be more loving to others.

I know many of you will find this impossible though. No judgements.