I think there is something sad and strange and true in the distinction between bro and man. And between macho and masculine. I often think about how when I was surrounding myself with hair metal dopes and then discovered George Michael. I was like, Oh, shit, you can be this kind of a man?!?! More George Michael and Sonny Rollins and John Steinbeck and Jerry Garcia. Less Trump and Elon.
I recall seeing Annie Lennox perform in drag at the Grammys as a kid and not comprehending what I was seeing. You can wear a suit and have crazy sideburns and strut and have Mick Jagger swagger and be a girl? Sign me up for this artist thing!
I completely agree. I do wonder if the source of all of this is more economic than I hit on in my post - if the funneling of people into fulfillment center jobs erodes the possibilities of things men can imagine - but I really do think that if the culture could find a way to elevate (or re-elevate) different types of men we'd be in a lot better place.
Your analysis of the different ways boys and girls are taught and conditioned was stunningly insightful and, to be honest, surprising to hear from a male. Thanks for paying attention. I do feel it necessary to point out that Zuckerturd made up for his honeymoon inattentiveness with this: https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/18/zuckerberg-sculpture-priscillachan-sf-arts/
I'm glad the teaching stuff resonated! I hadn't seen that about Zuck and the sculpture - it's astounding not just how little sense these people have, but also how little taste.
I think there is something sad and strange and true in the distinction between bro and man. And between macho and masculine. I often think about how when I was surrounding myself with hair metal dopes and then discovered George Michael. I was like, Oh, shit, you can be this kind of a man?!?! More George Michael and Sonny Rollins and John Steinbeck and Jerry Garcia. Less Trump and Elon.
I recall seeing Annie Lennox perform in drag at the Grammys as a kid and not comprehending what I was seeing. You can wear a suit and have crazy sideburns and strut and have Mick Jagger swagger and be a girl? Sign me up for this artist thing!
It's the artists who will save us if anyone will...
I completely agree. I do wonder if the source of all of this is more economic than I hit on in my post - if the funneling of people into fulfillment center jobs erodes the possibilities of things men can imagine - but I really do think that if the culture could find a way to elevate (or re-elevate) different types of men we'd be in a lot better place.
Your analysis of the different ways boys and girls are taught and conditioned was stunningly insightful and, to be honest, surprising to hear from a male. Thanks for paying attention. I do feel it necessary to point out that Zuckerturd made up for his honeymoon inattentiveness with this: https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/18/zuckerberg-sculpture-priscillachan-sf-arts/
I'm glad the teaching stuff resonated! I hadn't seen that about Zuck and the sculpture - it's astounding not just how little sense these people have, but also how little taste.