While the right promotes a flawed version of masculinity, the left's common response is to suggest men adopt more feminine traits. Galloway argues this is ineffective because it fails to offer an aspirational, positive vision of masculinity, leaving many men feeling alienated and unrepresented.
Curtis Sliwa argues that true masculinity isn't defined by symbols of power like guns but by a commitment to protecting the vulnerable—the poor, elderly, and infirm. He frames it as a moral responsibility to risk one's life for strangers, a form of humanitarian service that stands in stark contrast to conventional notions of strength.
With three-quarters of mental health providers being women, the field may have a significant blind spot regarding male issues. This gender imbalance can make it difficult for men to feel seen and heard, creating a structural barrier to effective treatment that goes beyond social stigma and pushes them towards toxic online communities.
When raising boys, a father's actions are far more impactful than his words. Instead of lecturing on what it means to be a man, consistently demonstrating service, respect, and responsibility will be internalized by a son over time, even if the lesson isn't explicit or is initially met with embarrassment.
Women often focus on pleasing men by catering to preferences, a behavior rooted in survival instincts. However, men place far greater value on being admired, accepted, and empowered. They consider 'being pleased' a low-priority concern that comes after all major goals are accomplished.
Galloway reframes masculinity away from aggression toward protection. He argues a man's default instinct, even without fully understanding a group like the trans community, should be to protect them from being demonized. This approach bridges traditional masculine ideals with progressive social values.
Scott Galloway argues the far right recognized the crisis facing young men before the left. While their solutions were regressive—blaming women and minorities—their early diagnosis of the problem created a political vacuum they successfully filled, attracting a disenchanted male demographic.
Productive conversations about men's struggles are stifled by a societal "gag reflex." This is caused by the far-right co-opting the issue with regressive solutions and the far-left reframing it as men *being* the problem, leading to immediate accusations of misogyny.
Manhood isn't an age but a state of being generative: producing more jobs, love, and care than you consume. This reframes masculinity around contribution rather than status or age, offering a clear, actionable goal for young men to strive for.
Men define emasculation not as 'feeling bad,' but as having their ability to produce results diminished. Actions like interrupting their focus, withholding critical information, or devaluing their accomplishments directly attack their core drive for productivity and security, which is far more damaging than emotional upset.
Contrary to the 'lone wolf' trope, mature masculinity is fundamentally expressed through relationships—as a father, husband, colleague, or community member. A man cannot fully realize his masculinity in isolation; it requires a social and relational context to be meaningful.