The disappearance of men | Christine Emba

**“Men Are in Crisis—But No One’s Listening”**

Today, masculinity is often discussed with a sneer. Phrases like “men are trash” and “toxic masculinity” dominate public discourse, leaving little room for empathy—or solutions. Yet, beneath the image of male power (presidents, CEOs, dominance), lies a quieter truth: **most men are struggling**.

Christine Emba, author of *Rethinking Sex: A Provocation*, argues that men are indeed in crisis—across work, education, relationships, and identity. As the economy shifts from industrial labor to credentialed, white-collar work, many men are being left behind. College dropout rates are soaring—70% of pandemic-era dropouts were male. Relationships are fraying, with more men single, lonely, and feeling unwanted.

A generation of disconnected young men—NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)—have turned to the internet. There, they find virtual brotherhood in gaming, forums, and a rising class of “manfluencers” like Jordan Peterson, Andrew Tate, and Joe Rogan. Some offer empathy and guidance. Others spiral into **misogyny masked as masculinity**.

What’s missing is a **positive vision of manhood**—one that embraces responsibility, strength (not just physical), leadership, and care. Masculinity need not compete with femininity; it can **complement and uplift**. As Emba says, this is not a zero-sum game. “The sexes rise and fall together.”

If society wants to thrive, we can’t ignore the crisis facing men. We must redefine masculinity—not tear it down, but **build it up**.

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