Consumerism in the age of the attention economy has led to a crisis of overconsumption. I believe being pro-environment is important to a positive, inclusive masculinity. This is especially true now, with environmental decline and biodiversity loss linked to climate change.

The gift guide industry is a microcosm of post pandemic America going all in on the convenience of online shopping, and choose your own entertainment media landscape that cemented the dominance of powerful global tech companies in the US.

In a world that runs on attention fueled by entertainment and convenience, is there room for sustainability?

Action films in Hollywood tend to reinforce perceptions of toxic masculinity in American culture. Gladiator II is an excellent action film and it reaches for a relevant political commentary about our lives today. The narrative though is driven by spectacle, exhilarating moments of battle with a highly masculine protagonist. The message rings hollow as the gladiator of the film, Lucius has risen to be the people’s champion because of these same patriarchal institutional values that give him glory, love and devotion.

I start by defining masculinity, traditional masculinity, and understanding the difference between manliness and toxic masculinity. We'll get into a Pew Research Report on American perceptions of men and masculinity, and talk about it in relation to the 2024 election results. I'll wrap up by talking about my own masculinity.