Why men’s issues are not taken seriously is a question we often ask ourselves at Dads4Kids. In addition to our passion for helping Aussie dads be the best they can be, raising awareness for men’s issues has been a driving force behind our work since 2002. It’s why we have been advocating for men’s issues in Australia’s Parliament for over 20 years. It’s also why we sponsor International Men’s Day on November 19.
So, when good friend of Dads4Kids David Maywald shared a fascinating discussion on this very question between Chris Williamson and George TheTinMen via LinkedIn, I had to watch.
According to the video description, ‘Why is it so hard to advocate for the problems of boys and men? If truly we care about half of the population flourishing and living lives they enjoy, why is it so unpopular to talk about the challenges they’re facing?’ Indeed. The discussion is wide-ranging, covering everything from ludicrous legacy media claims such as ‘Mental Toughness is Toxic Masculinity, through to ‘The Future of Men’s Advocacy.’ It’s worth a watch.
As is often the case, the comments section offers even more food for thought, but here are three takeaways from me:
- Feminist ideology is a cancer on society. In addition to effectively silencing discussion of men’s issues, the feminist system of ideas does not help either women or children. The evidence is all around us, and Janice Fiamengo makes a strong case for being ‘anti-feminist’.
- Studies find both men and women feel less empathy for men, which is sad but true. The reality is men are wired to work hard, provide for their families, achieve great exploits and make immense sacrifices for the common good. This makes men amazing and incredibly valuable to our societies, and it certainly doesn’t take anything away from women or children (in fact, most men wish to help and support women and children!)
As Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, the founder of International Men’s Day (IMD), says, ‘IMD has the potential to become the global medium to heal our world. The concept and themes of IMD are designed to give hope to the depressed, faith to the lonely, comfort to the broken-hearted, transcend barriers, eliminate stereotypes and create a more caring humanity.’
- What are we men to do? The answer is multi-layered and involves some work, but it’s worth it: Keep on being positive male role models (also IMD’s theme for 2024), call out discrimination against men when you see it, and keep doing what we men do best: Continue making the world a better place.
Lovework
Keep cultivating your character, and do what you can to support other men. Celebrate International Men’s Day this Tuesday; there are plenty of ways to get involved. You could catch up with some mates, or tune into Andrew Gray’s International Men’s Day – Livestream Mini Marathon (19 November, 3pm–9pm AEDT). If you can, do both together!
If you’re near Canberra on Tuesday, there’s an important event taking place on the lawn in front of Parliament House from 7am–3pm AEDT – Follow Zerosuicide Community Awareness Program on Facebook to find out more.
Our friends at the International Council for Men and Boys are celebrating Men’s Equality Month in November with an event in New York City, Tuesday evening (10:30am Wednesday 20 November AEDT). Email Larry DeMarco to find out more.
Life is busy, but do what you can to get involved. Our children’s children will thank you!
Yours for men,
Nathaniel Marsh
P.S. Only 2 sleeps until International Men’s Day, Tuesday, November 19! The theme for 2024 is Positive Male Role Models. Make sure you plan to celebrate the day in some way – visit here for some ideas on things to do. November is also Men’s Equality Month, a dedicated time to celebrate the role that men and boys play in society, and to raise awareness about the 12 areas of male disadvantage. Visit https://www.menandboys.net/mem/ to learn more.
P.P.S. Thanks to the generous support of our amazing donors, we’re able to send you this Free Email Newsletter. If you enjoy receiving weekly inspiration and encouragement from Dads4Kids, please consider supporting Dads4Kids on a monthly basis.
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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids. Image courtesy of Pexels.
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