I had encountered Ms. Emba's essay (I subscribe to the Post) and didn't get past the first couple of paragraphs. Maybe I should give it read.
I'm a cautious fan of Jordan Peterson. I have some trepidations based on things I've heard, and some of his podcasts I've listened to. But I read and enjoyed Twelve Rules for Life and still listen to his YouTube podcasts (not as much as I used to, but I usually like them). The thing I like most about him is that at his best, he shows his work. He doesn't simply pronounce on things, he shows how he came to believe them in the first place.
I'm not sure what a good narrative for masculinity would be, either. But I like your idea that it should be "loose" (perhaps another term would be "open"?). One thing I would like such a narrative to have is a recognition that it's okay for straight men to feel frustrated if they don't have intimate partners or if they're rejected. (Note: I'm not saying men have the right to sex, just that they have the right to feel bad about not getting it.) That's a minor point in any narrative, and probably doesn't have much to do with the meatier concerns men (and women) face. But I thought I'd bring it up.
Thanks for writing this.
I had encountered Ms. Emba's essay (I subscribe to the Post) and didn't get past the first couple of paragraphs. Maybe I should give it read.
I'm a cautious fan of Jordan Peterson. I have some trepidations based on things I've heard, and some of his podcasts I've listened to. But I read and enjoyed Twelve Rules for Life and still listen to his YouTube podcasts (not as much as I used to, but I usually like them). The thing I like most about him is that at his best, he shows his work. He doesn't simply pronounce on things, he shows how he came to believe them in the first place.
I'm not sure what a good narrative for masculinity would be, either. But I like your idea that it should be "loose" (perhaps another term would be "open"?). One thing I would like such a narrative to have is a recognition that it's okay for straight men to feel frustrated if they don't have intimate partners or if they're rejected. (Note: I'm not saying men have the right to sex, just that they have the right to feel bad about not getting it.) That's a minor point in any narrative, and probably doesn't have much to do with the meatier concerns men (and women) face. But I thought I'd bring it up.