The Dark Truth Behind Ashton Hall’s Morning Routine w/ Matt Bernstein
Apr 3, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Matt Bernstein, a cultural analyst and host of "A Bit Fruity," dives into the viral morning routine of Ashton Hall and its implications on modern masculinity. They explore the evolution of male wellness culture, critiquing the absurd standards set by influencers and the rise of hyper-masculinity. Bernstein emphasizes the disconnect between aesthetics and true well-being, calling for a reassessment of societal expectations. Together, they unpack the complex dynamics of masculinity, highlighting the necessity for community and authenticity.
The podcast explores how Ashton Hall's viral morning routine exemplifies modern masculinity's absurdity and its connection to hyper-discipline and consumerism.
It delves into the historical evolution of masculinity from traditional archetypes to contemporary media representations, influenced by self-help literature and economic success.
The discussion critiques male influencers' harmful portrayals of self-care that undermine genuine emotional connections and reinforce misogynistic narratives about women.
Deep dives
The Evolvement of Masculinity in the Digital Age
The podcast discusses the radical changes in the perception of masculinity, particularly through the lens of viral content like Ashton Hall's extreme morning routine video. This routine, which includes bizarre rituals such as rubbing bananas on the skin and dipping one's head in ice water, highlights a modern performance of masculinity that is both absurd and deeply political. The hosts argue that such displays are symptomatic of a larger trend where masculinity is tied to hyper-discipline and consumerism, suggesting that men should optimally embody traits linked to extreme self-care. The discourse reflects how cultural narratives surrounding masculinity have evolved over the decades from traditional stoicism to a contemporary, sometimes toxic, self-optimization for social validation.
The Influence of Media on Masculine Ideals
Historical shifts in masculinity are examined, tracing its transformation from the rugged archetypes of early 20th-century media to the consumption-driven representations of post-war America. With the emergence of self-help literature in the 1970s, a connection between masculinity and economic success solidified, influencing generations. The rise of the metrosexual in the late 90s introduced grooming into the masculine sphere, countering prior notions of unhygienic masculinity. These evolving perceptions laid the groundwork for the current alpha male influencers who commodify masculinity by marketing exaggerated self-care and discipline routines to a primarily male audience.
The Role of Self-Help Culture in Masculinity
Self-help culture has played a pivotal role in redefining masculine identities, promoting the concept that success and self-improvement can be achieved through sheer willpower. Books like 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and 'Think and Grow Rich' set a foundation for a societal belief that personal effort directly translates into financial success. This mentality has been absorbed by modern influencers who often manipulate these ideals for personal gain, framing their journeys to wealth as attainable for anyone who follows their guidance. However, this narrative frequently overlooks broader societal factors and fosters isolationism rather than community engagement among men.
The Absurdity and Misogyny in Modern Male Influencers
The podcast critiques the absurdity found in content created by male influencers like Ashton Hall, highlighting how their routines often glorify detrimental behaviors while revealing underlying misogynistic sentiments. Such routines, presented as self-care guidelines, obscure the reality of a society where these influencers depict women primarily as subservient figures consistently catering to their needs. This demonstrates not only a troubling dynamic in the portrayal of women but also a superficial understanding of masculinity that equates self-improvement purely with aesthetic performance rather than emotional or mental health. The discussion underscores the need to reject these harmful narratives that promote a performance-based masculinity at the expense of real human connections.
Hope for a Reckoning in Masculinity
The episode concludes with a sense of optimism surrounding the potential for redefining masculinity, especially in light of the backlash against absurd male influencer content. Viral reactions to videos like Hall's signal a societal recognition of the ridiculousness inherent in the performance of modern masculinity. By fostering dialogue around more inclusive and emotionally connected forms of masculinity, there is hope for developing healthier identities that prioritize community and mutual support over isolation. As society grapples with the consequences of hyper-masculinity, the conversation hints at a significant cultural shift that could lead to a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a man today.
Ever since Ashton Hall's morning routine went viral last week, I've been dying to chat about it with my friend Matt Bernstein of the podcast A Bit Fruity to about it all.
We joined up to break down the history and evolution of modern masculinity, the allure and absurdity of the modern "alpha male" archetype, the rise of isolationist masculinity and exactly how things ended up this way, and what videos like Ashton Hall's can tell us about the future of masculinity.
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