Behind the Bastards cover image

Behind the Bastards

Part One: The History of American Masculinity Grifters

Oct 22, 2024
01:06:00
Snipd AI
Miles Gray, a notable commentator on masculinity, joins Robert to unpack the complexities of American masculinity grifters. They discuss the manufactured 'crisis' surrounding masculinity and the rise of 'manfluencers' shaping modern perceptions. The conversation critiques programs like the Modern Day Knight Project, revealing the detrimental effects of superficial masculinity ideals. They also connect historical fears of changing masculinity to current societal anxieties, exploring the absurdities of height-lengthening surgery and its implications on self-worth.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores how manfluencers exploit insecurities in men by commodifying masculinity-related programs, often lacking legitimacy and real impact.
  • Historical patterns reveal that societal shifts, occurring roughly every 30 years, amplify fears of diminishing masculinity, spurring consumer responses among men.

Deep dives

The Rise of Manfluencers

Manfluencers are a growing phenomenon that capitalizes on the insecurities of men in modern society. These figures often commodify feelings of inadequacy by offering programs and experiences designed to enhance masculinity, despite the questionable legitimacy of their claims. For instance, programs such as the Modern Day Knight Project charge substantial fees for intense weekend courses that claim to instill traditional masculine virtues. Critics argue that these trends exploit vulnerable men seeking validation instead of addressing their underlying issues through more constructive means, such as therapy or community support.

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