A recent intra-MAGA dispute, highlighted by Vivek Ramaswamy’s comments, exposes the movement’s contradictory views on masculinity. Ramaswamy’s criticisms of American culture reveal an underlying anxiety about hyper-masculinity, contrasting sharply with figures like Donald Trump and Joe Rogan who embody a more overtly aggressive, yet often inauthentic, form of manhood. This contradictory ideal is further exemplified by the MAGA movement’s inability to define “manhood” positively, resorting instead to a long list of prohibitions and negative characteristics. The attempt to co-opt Haley Welch’s viral video as a symbol of MAGA womanhood ultimately failed, highlighting the inherent contradictions within their definition of both masculinity and femininity.
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Donald Trump’s appointment of Pete Hegseth as a potential Secretary of Defense is driven by superficial appearances rather than qualifications. While Hegseth’s lack of experience and expertise in defense policy is concerning, his “manly” image and ability to appeal to the “MAGA” movement’s idealized vision of masculinity have made him a suitable candidate for Trump. Hegseth embodies a fragile masculinity, craving a military dominated by white men, where diversity is seen as a threat and women are relegated to supporting roles. Trump’s choice of Hegseth further underscores his preference for superficial appearances and his disdain for genuine expertise and experience, mirroring his own reliance on manufactured success and image over real achievements.
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Young men, particularly those in the “Gen Z” demographic, played a significant role in President-elect Donald Trump’s successful campaign. This demographic, facing economic anxieties and a growing education gap, was effectively targeted by the Trump campaign, who utilized messaging that resonated with their concerns. The campaign’s outreach to this group, coupled with a broader trend of Trump’s strong performance across multiple demographics, ultimately contributed to his electoral victory.
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Our mistake was to underestimate the power of lies and resentment, fueled by a toxic combination of social media, a failing news media, and a crisis of masculinity. We failed to recognize the depth of racism and misogyny that propelled a candidate like Trump to victory, despite his clear disqualifications. The media, in its pursuit of objectivity, often treated truth and falsehood as equal, allowing lies to proliferate and allowing the far-right to set the agenda. Silicon Valley, driven by profit, exacerbated this problem, creating a digital landscape where misinformation and hate speech thrive, particularly affecting young men who become susceptible to extremist ideologies. This perfect storm has resulted in a more aggressive, authoritarian brand of masculinity that seeks to dominate women and control the narrative, leaving the rest of us to clean up the mess.
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Jesse Watters, a leading figure at Fox, has been promoted to the coveted 8 p.m. slot, formerly hosted by Tucker Carlson. This comes after having his own primetime show since January 2022. Watters’ personal life has also undergone changes, with him having met his now-ex wife, Noelle Inguagiato, at Fox News and having two children with her. Despite their eventual divorce, he humorously referred to their union by stating that attractive partners can make differing political beliefs tolerable. The circumstances of their divorce led to his new marriage.
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As I sit here contemplating the upcoming election in November, I find myself drawn to a thought-provoking concept that has been circulating in the media recently. The idea of “Be a man and vote for a woman” in reference to Kamala Harris’s candidacy in America’s masculinity election is both intriguing and somewhat perplexing. It raises questions about what it truly means to embody masculinity in today’s society and challenges the traditional perceptions of what it means to be a man.
As a middle-aged, white, gun-owning male with a strong sense of responsibility towards my children and their future, the notion of voting for Kamala Harris as a symbol of strength and leadership resonates with me on a profound level.… Continue reading
Sam Elliott in a pro-Harris ad: ‘Are we really going back down that same f***ing broken road?’ – This sentiment echoed by the legendary actor strikes a chord with me on a deep level. Sam Elliott, known for his rugged masculinity and iconic voice, has always been a symbol of traditional American values. His endorsement of Vice President Harris in a recent ad by The Lincoln Project is not only refreshing but also thought-provoking.
As I watched the ad, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of validation. The way Sam Elliott, with his calm demeanor, calls out the divisiveness and hatred perpetuated by one candidate while championing change and hope with Kamala Harris resonated with me.… Continue reading
I have to admit, when I first heard about the Fox host’s comments regarding Tim Walz not being masculine because he drank a milkshake with a straw, I had to chuckle. I mean, who even drinks a milkshake without a straw? The idea that masculinity is somehow tied to the way a person drinks a milkshake is not only absurd but also incredibly outdated.
It’s interesting to see how some individuals try to equate certain behaviors or actions with masculinity, as if there is a definitive checklist that one must adhere to in order to be considered manly. The truth is, masculinity is not a one-size-fits-all concept.… Continue reading
I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the audacity of someone like Fox News host Jesse Watters trying to dictate who is and isn’t masculine. The sheer irony of a man who looks and sounds like the stereotypical snobby rich kid from an eighties movie passing judgment on another person’s masculinity is simply mind-boggling. It’s as if he’s the poster child for insecurity himself, trying to compensate for something he lacks.
Let’s take a step back and really think about the logic behind Watters’ criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz simply because he used a straw. The fact that someone would equate using a straw for a milkshake to a lack of masculinity is not only absurd but also reeks of ignorance and toxic masculinity.… Continue reading
Strap in folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of internet conspiracies and trans panic. A seemingly innocent photo of Andrew Tate in a men’s swimsuit has set off a frenzy among the far-right, with some claiming that he is actually a woman. The reactions have been nothing short of chaotic, with accusations flying left, right, and center.
The comments range from questioning his masculinity to downright transphobic attacks, with some even suggesting that his lack of a bulge in the swimwear is somehow proof of his gender identity. It’s a bizarre and unsettling glimpse into the minds of those who are so willing to jump to conclusions based on a single photograph.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood