Articles
Masculine Men
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"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man." (1 Kgs. 2:2)
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On November 15, 2013, four prominent women held a debate in Toronto on the proposition, "Men Are Obsolete." Two of the women defended the proposition, using the usual feminist talking points about how men are the source of all the world's problems, blah, blah, blah. The other two women opposed the proposition, defending men as essential to a stable society.
One of the defenders, Camille Paglia, said in her opening statement, "When an educated culture routinely denigrates masculinity and manhood, then women will be perpetually stuck with boys, who have no incentive to mature or to honor their commitments. And without strong men as models to either embrace or . . . to resist, women will never attain a centered and profound sense of themselves as women."
In a society where one-quarter of all boys are being raised by single moms, Paglia's indictment is right on target. The constant denigration of men over the last couple of generations has all but destroyed respect for masculinity as an essential factor in maintaining a healthy civilization. Without men doing what men do best, society collapses.
What are masculine qualities that men bring to the table?
As the stronger of two genders, men provide the muscle and brawn necessary to building, moving, and maintaining the physical things that make civilization possible. When necessary, it is also the brute strength of men that pushes back against evil.
As fathers, men exert a stabilizing influence in families. They provide the discipline, structure, and guidance that children need to develop into healthy adults. Children who grow up under the influence of a committed father are far less likely to end up in crime and poverty.
Finally, as Paglia suggested, men offer a counterbalance to all the strengths and weaknesses of women. Without men, everybody suffers, but especially women. It is no surprise that the rise of radical feminism has been accompanied by a decrease in women's mental health. Despite years of feminist propaganda about female empowerment, the majority of women still need and want a man in their lives.
No, men are not obsolete. David's last words to Solomon--father to son--are just as important for young men to hear today as when they were first spoken: "Be strong, and prove yourself a man."
Young man, civilization needs what you have to offer. Don't be ashamed of it.
--David
