Christine Emba, a Washington Post columnist and author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation," dives into the evolving concept of masculinity. She explores why figures like Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate attract attention from young men. The discussion reveals the struggles men face today, from educational disparities to socio-economic challenges. Emba emphasizes the necessity of redefining masculinity, highlighting the importance of role models and fostering compassionate relationships to address the contemporary crisis.
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insights INSIGHT
A Different Crisis
The current masculinity crisis is distinguished by concerning data revealing men's struggles across education, work, and health.
Societal shifts, like economic changes and women's advancements, contribute to men's feelings of loss and confusion.
insights INSIGHT
The College Gap
Fewer men are attending and completing college compared to women, potentially due to differences in maturity, learning styles, and societal expectations.
This disparity is concerning as it impacts men's access to good jobs in our credential-based economy.
insights INSIGHT
A Reluctant Left
The left's reluctance to discuss men's issues stems from concerns about jeopardizing women's progress and a desire for gender neutrality.
This silence creates a void filled by potentially harmful figures on the right.
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In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality[3][4][5].
Manhood
The Masculine Virtues America Needs
Josh Hawley
In 'Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs', Senator Josh Hawley argues that traditional masculine virtues such as responsibility, bravery, fidelity, and leadership are essential for a functioning society and a healthy republic. He draws on historical and philosophical sources to advocate for men to stand up and defend what is just and true.
12 Rules for Life
An Antidote to Chaos
Jordan B Peterson
In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.
What does masculinity mean these days? Sean Illing speaks with Christine Emba, a columnist at The Washington Post who wrote the piece “Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness.” Together they discuss the confusing state of manhood, why figures like Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate hold appeal, and how masculinity could be redefined.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
Guest: Christine Emba (@ChristineEmba), Washington Post columnist and author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
