Matters Of Masculinity With Rob Henderson | EMP Podcast 128
Dec 28, 2023
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Rob Henderson, author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class," shares his journey from foster care to elite academia. He discusses the evolution of masculinity shaped by military service and the concept of 'Young Male Syndrome.' Rob sheds light on how risk-taking behaviors differ between genders and the role of social media in exacerbating mental health issues among youth. The conversation also navigates the pressing societal expectations of masculinity and femininity in today's culture.
Rob Henderson recounts his tumultuous upbringing in foster care and its profound impact on his life's trajectory and educational ambitions.
The concept of 'young male syndrome' highlights the biological underpinnings of high-risk behaviors among young men across various cultures.
The discussion contrasts aggressive expressions between genders, examining how social media alters these dynamics and affects mental health.
Deep dives
Journey from Adversity to Education
Rob Henderson shares his challenging upbringing, starting with his birth to a drug-addicted mother and subsequent placement in the foster care system. Adopted at seven, he moved to Red Bluff, California, a rural area marked by poverty and crime. His adoptive family's struggles continued, with his father leaving and his mother raising him mostly alone in difficult conditions. Henderson's chaotic childhood led him to a lack of structure, which contributed to a lack of focus in school, resulting in just a 2.2 GPA and a sense of urgency to change his trajectory.
The Impact of Military Experience
Henderson's enlistment in the military served as a pivotal moment in his life, providing him with the discipline and structure he lacked in his youth. He realized the military introduced him to a more conventional middle-class culture, differing significantly from his past experiences. The rigorous environment of military training helped him mature, forcing him to confront impulsivity and behavioral issues while learning the importance of accountability. His military service acted as a transformative period where he gained stability and redirected his life towards education.
Reflections on Young Male Syndrome
The discussion introduces the concept of 'young male syndrome,' which encapsulates the high-risk behaviors often exhibited by males in their late teens and early twenties. Henderson illustrates that this behavior is not only prevalent in Western societies but can also be observed across diverse cultures, indicating a biological underpinning. Various statistics underscore the propensity of young men to engage in violent and reckless behaviors, highlighting a period where they are more likely to be involved in criminal activities or accidents. A significant point raised is how such behaviors can often be channeled into more constructive outlets, like sports or martial arts, rather than destructive paths.
Contrasting Masculinities in Different Environments
The speakers explore how traditional concepts of masculinity differ between the working class and middle or upper-class male settings. Henderson points out that the upper-class men, especially in academic environments like Yale, showcase indirect forms of aggression, favoring social manipulation over direct confrontation. This is contrasted with the straightforward physical aggressiveness typical of lower-class male interactions, where fighting and physicality are prevalent. These observations reveal broader societal implications regarding how masculinity manifests in different classes and environments.
Navigating Female and Male Aggression
The episode delves into the dynamics of male and female expressions of aggression, arguing that male aggression tends to be overt while female aggression often manifests through social means such as gossip or reputation manipulation. The conversation draws parallels between these aggressive expressions and the rise of social media, suggesting that it amplifies female-oriented social aggression in a unique way compared to traditional violence. The speakers emphasize the negative mental health impacts of social media on young individuals, especially resulting from public shaming and bullying. There is a need for society to address how these dynamics affect the mental well-being of both genders and shape social interactions.
Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play Podcast!
Today's episode was filmed at the ARC Conference in London and features our guest Rob Henderson, author of the book Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class.
Rob grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and the rural town of Red Bluff, California. He joined the Air Force at the age of seventeen. After his enlistment, he graduated from Yale University with a BS in psychology and was subsequently awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Once described as 'self-made' by the New York Times, Rob received a PhD in psychology from St. Catharine's College, Cambridge in 2022. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, and the New York Post, among other outlets. Rob's popular Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than forty thousand subscribers.
In our chat today we will discuss Rob’s background and upbringing, as well as share our thoughts on growing into manhood, cultivating positive masculine virtues, social media, and what makes a good man or woman as opposed to what makes a good person.
I really enjoyed getting the chance to talk to Rob, and hopefully we’ll be able to continue our chat in the near future. If you also enjoy the conversation, be sure to support the channel with a like, subscribe, and share.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Rob’s Background
07:09 - Young Male Syndrome & the Military
26:59 - Underlying Biology
31:34 - Aggression, Violence & Mental Health
43:05 - Masculinity and Femininity
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ROB HENDERSON
Book: https://a.co/d/eaIwGIT
Web: https://www.robkhenderson.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/robkhenderson?s=20
IG: https://www.instagram.com/robkhenderson/
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