560. When Does Masculinity Become Toxic? | David French

David French and Jordan Peterson discuss a crisis plaguing young men: a lack of direction, mentorship, and a demoralizing view of masculinity within society.

Young Men Lack Purpose, Direction, and Belonging Due to Missing Male Role Models and Mentors

David French voices a significant problem faced by many young men—lacking purpose and direction—a situation he has observed within his son's peer group and during his time mentoring younger soldiers in the military. Many young men, especially after leaving structured environments like the military, tend to wander aimlessly, struggling to find their place in the world. French emphasizes that this absence of purpose is often due to a lack of male role models as many young men grow up in fatherless homes. He underscores the importance of mentoring young men into virtuous masculinity to provide them with a sense of purpose, direction, and belonging.

Jordan Peterson also adds that the current school system seems unfit for boys, noting the paucity of male teachers might contribute to the lack of suitable male role models, potentially leaving young men particularly vulnerable.

Fatherless Homes Leave Young Men Vulnerable to Harmful Influences

French points out the struggle of young men, many of whom grow up without fathers or male mentors. The implications of this lack of guidance are profound: young men become susceptible to harmful influences, with some finding hyper-aggressive role models appealing due to a dearth of positive examples.

Young Men Feel Alienated by Cultural Messages Labeling Traditional Masculinity As Toxic

Cultural messages that label traditional masculinity as toxic affect young men's self-worth, according to French. This portrayal leads young men to internalize the idea that they are inherently the problem. Such negative messages have a profound impact on young men's goals, dreams, and aspirations. Peterson mentions his son's self-deprecating comment, "I'm doing pretty well for a boy," which reflects how the presumption that boys underperform girls has become internalized, leading to alienation.

Demoralizing Masculinity Causes Identity and Self-Worth Crises Among Young Men

French touches on the loneliness and lack of belonging among young men and how society's negative view of traditional masculinity leads to them being treated as the problem. This sentiment is accentuated by a comment ...

David French and Jordan Peterson discuss the series of cultural and political issues affecting young men, such as heightened levels of despair, anxiety, loneliness, and a lack of connection due to changing economies, diminishing value of traditional male attributes, and reduced military engagement. Moreover, they scrutinize the political exploitation of gender gaps and the cultural shifts that have left young men feeling alienated.

Political Exploitation of Gender Gaps Worsens Tensions Instead Of Fostering Collaboration

French is critical of the gender wars, specifically how political parties exploit gender gaps for political gain, creating a sense of cultural and political war rather than collaboration. Peterson reflects on a New York Times article about the Democrats' $20 million "man problem" and suggests that political efforts thus far may not have fully grasped or adequately addressed young men's challenges. He alludes to a virtual conspiracy that demoralizes boys and contributes to a narrative that has long been perpetuated by the Democrats, who are now dealing with the consequences. This commentary points to the failure of the political class to understand and support young men effectively.

Democrats' $20M Effort to Solve "Man Problem" Reveals Political Class's Failure to Understand Young Men

Peterson is taken aback by the positive tone of the New York Times article, which indicates that the Democrats might be reevaluating their approach to the issues facing young men. He mentions that future spending should be more effectively directed towards addressing their plights. French also criticizes political strategies that he says fail to understand young men's situations, highlighting a disconnect between political actions and the real needs of these men.

Cultural Shifts and Loss of Free-Range Childhood Leave Young Men Alienated

Overprescription of [restricted term] Has Demoralized Boys By Suppressing Natural Play and Behavior

French and Peterson are critical of the widespread prescription of [restricted term] ([restricted term]) for children, particularly boys. French raises concerns about the medication's impact on suppressing natural behavior, which may be part of the problem facing young men. He argues that some could benefit from the medication but believes it's overprescribed.

Peterson harshly criticizes the u ...

David French identifies a significant demand in America for the constructive mentoring of young men and discusses the potential for a transformative impact through such guidance.

Young Men Seek Mentors and Role Models Offering Courageous, Compassionate, and Service-Oriented Masculinity

Admiral William McRaven is highlighted as an exemplary figure whose "Make Up Your Bed" speech made a wide-reaching impact, signaling the need for positive male role models. French also speaks about the influence of Jordan Peterson's work, like the "reboot" effect his book had on a young Marine by emphasizing daily intentional acts of kindness. French values the mentoring process, asserting that it involves treating young men as adults, which leads to their transformation.

Cultivating Virtuous Masculinity: Effort to Counter Undermining Forces

French discusses the importance of creating a counterculture that lovingly communicates to young men that they are valued and that their success is desired. He contrasts this positive message with toxic ones that indulge in the worst elements of human nature. Jordan Peterson's work reflects on the archetypal image of the shepherd from biblical writings—figures like Moses, David, and Christ who embody qualities of virtue and admirable masculinity. Peterson considers a model of masculinity that combines "monstrous power" with "self-sacrificial service."

French recounts the experiences of the latchkey generation, where autonomy led some to face challenges such as bullying and assault. He notes the vital influence of football coaches who can channel young men's aggression into positive qualities. Acknowledging that coaches can be the best or the worst influences, he praises those who promote brotherhood and citizenship over rage and violence.

French touches on fostering virtuous masculinity, asserting that young men yearn for this ful ...