11/14/2025
MASCULINITY IN CRISIS: A REASONABLE RESPONSE
With the government shutdown finally resolved, other important issues are emerging. Of special concern is the quiet crisis among many young men regarding masculinity and what it means to be a man. Men and masculinity | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY
To date, responses are polarized, either demonizing men on one hand or doubling down on traditional machismo. There is a better way suggested by a professor and a governor.
Professor Scott Galloway's new book Notes on Being a Man and Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom's recent criticisms of his own party for "walking away" from men suggest a more reasonable alternative. Gavin Newsom says Democratic Party 'walked away' from masculinity crisis | Fox News
Some Background
The crisis with masculinity is a dilemma: How can men be men without being toxic to women? The term toxic masculinity arose in the wake of high-profile s*x abuse trials involving the likes of Bill Cosby and Jeffrey Epstein. What is Toxic Masculinity and How it Impacts Mental Health
The me too.Movement impacted young men differently. For some, it expanded their self-awareness and motivated more respectful behavior toward women,
For others, however, the effect was negative. Multiple studies reveal that it contributed to a number of serious problems, including: Alienation, Rage, Declining Performance, Increasing Clinical Depression and Su***de. (Amanpour and Company | Scott Galloway Sounds the Alarm on the Crisis Facing Young Men | Season 2025 | PBS)
Social/Political Responses
In response, there have been two reactions with opposite perspectives.
From the Left
From the left, social and political progressives have not been helpful. By and large, they have condemned traditional male characteristics and adopted a predominantly feminist perspective. Likewise, their lack of empathy failed to provide any constructive solutions to change the situation. Liberal society has failed young men - New Statesman
From the Right
In general, political conservatives have tended to minimize the harm of abusive men and were supportive of men, casting them as the victims of "toxic feminism".Toxic Feminism in the World of Victimhood – Concerned Women for America. Besides politicians, a number of groups have emerged to provide support for estranged men.
Incels
For some time, INCELS (involuntarily celibate) are alienated men who are hostile to feminism, blaming them for their inability to find loving and intimate relationships.
Indeed, young men are having less s*x. Studies show that a high percentage of them haven't had s*x in over a year. S*xless America: Young Adults Are Having Less S*x | Institute for Family Studies
As a group, INCELS exhibit not only a sense of alienation but, overall, very poor self-esteem and a poor level of mental health. The mental well-being of involuntary celibates - ScienceDirect
Turning Point
The late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA drew millions of followers, in part, because it responded to men's sense of alienation. While feeling their pain, he also understood their anger as he attacked progressives' "over-feminization" of men. Kirk emphasized traditional biblical images of men as being the strong heads of the family. Likewise, he attacked feminism and promoted the submission of women to men.
Groypers
Nick Fuetes and the Groypers validated young men's anger and expressed their rage at women, society and government. Like Kirk, they criticize feminists for wanting to soften men and deny them their essential nature. Who Are the ‘Groypers’? - The New York Times
A Third Option: Understanding Masculinity in a New Key
In addition to the liberal and conservative approaches, there is a third alternative. It involves empathizing with young men's experience but also casting masculinity in a non-abusive way.
It is possible, in fact, it is necessary to denounce abusive s*xual behavior without condemning men as a gender. Further, it is crucial to show them how to feel good about themselves as men.
Scott Galloway
Recently, Professor Scott Galloway, in his book Notes on Being a Man, expressed concerns of both the left and right. He is deeply aware of young men's plight, and he affirms the traditional notions of masculinity, but in a different way.
The traditional traits of strength, power, and leadership are virtues when expressed in the context of protective responsibility. Authentic masculinity must be used in the service of others, i.e., to provide for and protect families, community, nation, and planet, and not simply selfishly. Amazon.com : scott galloway notes on being a man
Galloway offers a positive approach for men to reclaim their masculine identity without its traditionally abusive tendencies.
Gavin Newsom
To make meaningful progress to decrease s*xual violence against women, there must be a political/institutional component. Governor Gavin Newsom's criticism of Democrats for abandoning men provides a wake-up call for his party. He is urging them to make the masculinity crisis a priority in their legislative goals. Without saying so explicitly, I believe that Gov. Newsom was calling for a Title IX-style initiative for men.
Such educational programs could teach responsible s*xuality and the obligation for men to use their power and strength not only for their own desires but also for protecting others.
In this light, Professor Galloway, Gov. Newsom and even Charlie Kirk agree. With this reasonable approach that avoids either extreme, men can be supported, abusiveness can be reduced, and traditional masculine values can be affirmed, but without brutality or abusiveness.
Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow A.A.P.C. November 14, 2025
www.revmichaelheath.com