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Blaise Lucey's avatar

Good stuff, as always, C-Max. Interesting anecdote around "empathy." I think if we can encourage the view of empathy as a tool, maybe it would be seen as more "masculine" these days. But maybe that leads us down to some dark pathways, too! I also wonder if the trend of "nonchalance" is an attempt at stoicism where every child is more vulnerable to their peers in more ways than ever before. So the manliest reaction is to simply be numb to even the attempt at feeling something.

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Cameron Maxwell's avatar

I like that alternative reading! I think that btwn COVID maladaptions and socials addictions and everything else that happened to G-Z has exposed a feeling of greater precarity which they all feel, but want to deny. And attempted stoicism, as you say, is kind of a natural counter to that trend.

Definitely don't want some men getting all Emperor Palpatine with empathic powers 😅 Between AI and bots and algos and malware and everything else online, I already feel my mind's been intruded on enough, please and thank you 🤝

Appreciate the read, and the dialogue 👌 Lmk in sms if you've got a good night to scribbles this week!

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NeuroHuntress's avatar

Now why isn’t this kind of writing compulsory reading in public schools! Thank you for giving a voice to this critical topic, and for your candour in sharing through the lens of your own lived experience. We need more men like this speaking out. It’s powerful.

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Cameron Maxwell's avatar

Thanks much! I'm indebted to women in every part of my personal and professional life; to deny the role femininity's had in shaping my life and work would be to commit a sort of spiritual treason. But I think men and their values and motives often go misunderstood too, so I see my work as trying to bridge that divide.

Will be getting Part 2 up soon, hopefully this weekend! 😁

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Connie Rossetti's avatar

Your personal story brings life to this interesting topic. It is a true blessing to have such positive male role models in ones life. Loved the Robert Heinlein quote so cherished by your Father-in-law. I find the Gen-z dislike of the *nonchalant* male an interesting, yet not surprising, aspect of our changing social culture. Great insights.

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Cameron Maxwell's avatar

Thanks much! It felt like it had been too long since an essay, and this topic has long been near to me 😁

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