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RE: Masculinity and American Exceptionalism
I am right there with you. The patriarchy, toxic masculinity, never ending war, oppression of women and children, racism, homophobia, destruction of the planet and on and on. It all has the same root. And it does indeed express in American exceptionalism too. And the plastic patriotism that goes with it. Good stuff in here. It will, indeed, be a beautiful day when a healthier masculinity emerges.
Thank you for the compliment 😊.
It is so puzzling to me, particularly from a religious standpoint, to find such angry manifestations of masculinity. What happened to faith and not fear?
Well, I'd say the Catholic Church is the short answer, but it is super mystifying that 2000 years later still no one has noticed that the central figure of the whole church, indeed the savior, is totally different from nearly all the men involved in the church. Cognitive dissonance? Willful ignorance?
I'd say cognitive dissonance (in most cases). One of my favorite verses in all of the LDS sacred texts talks about how you need to think about things on your own and then ask for confirmation. I think many people forget to think about it consciously and just say the feel inspired to do something. There are times when that is a valid thing to do, but certainly not all the time and certainly not when we live in a culture that consistenly confirms the bias toward toxic masculinity.
At the very least it's good to have some kind of reflection from others. So often we don't even question what we believe, and if we dig even an inch under the surface we will grow and evolve quickly.
Very true! Looking to others for examples and having a healthy ability to be introspective are so important.
Without a doubt. Inability to self reflect is totally crippling.