People are increasingly expressing their frustration with our political landscape — particularly with liberal policies — over the perception that men are being marginalized. Our institutions seem absent, and men find themselves caught between undesirable extremes. Many feel compelled to choose a hypermasculine model simply because it acknowledges them, albeit in a flawed manner.

This substack article by Sean Kullman expands on this Wall Street Journal piece by Richard Reeves. Both detail the stats and progression of the decline of the masculine from growing suicide rates that far exceed women’s to dropping academic scores. When we step back to look at all that has occurred over the years, it is difficult not to realize what happened and its impact on all of us.

In his recent book, Of Boys and Men, Richard Reeves discusses the detrimental impact of societal attitudes towards males. He argues that the vilification of being male has led many to either aggressively resist or withdraw entirely. In the context of couples therapy, these men might be described as either pursuers or avoiders, indicating their struggle to find genuine ways to engage.

From my four decades of experience working with men, I can attest that they seek connection. Men want to support women and girls; they aspire to succeed in their relationships without resorting to zero-sum games.

Yet, many men feel entrapped in a no-win scenario where exploring masculinity — or simply humanity — exposes them to criticism for imperfections or not adhering to seemingly arbitrary standards. This often results in them being sidelined, as if made to wear a metaphorical dunce cap.

It is unsurprising that many young men and boys choose to opt-out from the start, contributing to the worsening of mental health statistics. This growing issue is largely ignored by the media, educational institutions, and the government.

Thankfully, more women are advocating against these inequities, recognizing that the implications extend beyond men, affecting them and their daughters as well. Every mother wishes for her daughter to find a good partner, and a dearth of commendable men jeopardizes this hope.The women’s liberation movement advanced to rectify centuries of injustice faced by women. It is a misconception to assert that men have not faced challenges, or that their struggles are lesser. The truth is that many men, including those who identify as feminists, are now voicing that the scales have tipped too far. Slowly, more women and men dare to push the media, educational institutions, and our governments to invest in boys and men.

Men have sacrificed and crippled themselves physically and emotionally to feed, house, and protect women and children. None of their pain or achievement is registered in feminist rhetoric, which portrays men as oppressive and callous exploiters.

Camille Paglia