

HoS: Rob Henderson
Sep 22, 2025
Rob Henderson, a keen observer of culture and youthful masculinity, dives into contentious issues surrounding young men and political identity. He discusses the evolving fears related to maleness and its impact on bipartisan politics. Henderson shares his poignant experience meeting Charlie Kirk, highlighting the blend of grassroots and spectacle that captivated young audiences. The conversation touches on the authenticity of elite concerns for young men and the growing resentment linked to an 'overproduction of elites,' illuminating today's political landscape.
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Why Young Men Became A Political Topic
- The young-men issue has become more bipartisan after the 2024 election as elites notice shifting votes.
- Conversations stalled earlier because focusing on men was seen as zero-sum against women's progress.
Elite View Hides Broader Male Decline
- Economic and educational shifts mean fewer men complete college, yet elite metrics obscure broader male decline.
- Older success metrics (CEOs, senators) reflect prior eras and won't persist as younger cohorts differ.
Status Games May Drive Extreme Violence
- Henderson speculates that some killers sought esteem by attacking higher-status white men within leftist circles.
- He links social-status dynamics in ideological spaces to extreme acts, while acknowledging uncertainty.