Forbes magazine completed an article on the way in which modern masculinity ideals are changing and developing, in which they interviewed Alex Rodriguez, a 24-year-old TED speaker and influencer who has reached over 100million followers and viewers over a multiplatform career. In the interview, he was asked why he thought the ideals of modern masculinity was changing and this is what he came up with:
1. They Value Self Awareness. While traditional masculinity says “don’t feel,” modern masculinity says “dare to feel.” Millennial men are committed to knowing themselves on a deep and personal level—even if what they find is difficult to confront or conflicting. Rather than hide from or deny who you are, become curious about who you are and have the courage to represent yourself authentically. Rodriguez recommends setting aside deliberate time each day to connect with yourself. “Don’t try to distract yourself and run around all day. You need to spend time with yourself and take care of you,” he says.
Dare to feel talks about the ways in which modern men are more intrigued with being individual and not following traditional values, linked with the ideas of making one's existence memorable.
2. They Are Non-Conformist. The rigid gender roles for men and women are becoming more loosely defined as millennials challenge the status quo. According to one international study titled “The Decline of the Manly Man,” the percentage of men who are staying home to care for children is rising today while women are slowly surpassing men in academic performance and closing the income gap. The evolved man isn’t swayed by gender roles or what society deems “manly.” He doesn’t need to be validated externally by conforming. He acts according to his own volition, and he isn’t threatened by women rising, either.
This point is exploring the idea of more balance within the genders, through doing so and having more of an even equilibrium between the two the idea of 'the manly man' is on the decline, but it isn't an issue as it isn't something that millennials are finding scary and threatening; rather embarrassing and showcasing difference, through lack of conformity.
3. They Don’t Want To Compete With One Another. Instead of trying to gain empty status, the evolved man knows his worth lies within. He is secure within himself to the extent that he doesn’t need to put others down in order to feel better about himself. Rodriguez says, “It’s so important to have an abundant mindset over a competing mindset. Don’t sacrifice treating people right or opt for profit over people because there’s so much out there to receive. When we’re in a competing mindset we are limiting ourselves.”
Point 3 is discussing the way in which actions and what you get out of them has developed over time. I think this says a lot about the way that people treat each other and the way in which it has evolved, we are now in a society where bullying, even though it still happens, is deemed unacceptable and therefore it is seen to be 'the bigger man" to walk away from a fight rather than throw the first punch.
4. They Value Authenticity. Millennial men have no need to pretend they’re someone they’re not, because they’re not ashamed of who they really are. You can cultivate authenticity in your life by ensuring your outer self is aligned with your inner self. One Boulder, CO-based movement, called the Authentic Man Program, is dedicated to empowering men in their authenticity so that rewarding interactions are made possible.
This point discusses the way men are recently becoming more comfortable with showing who they are on the inside on the outside, rather than conforming and fitting into the small box of idealistic masculinity perceptions.
5. The Want To Be Vulnerable. Outdated masculinity says men shouldn’t show any sign of weakness. But modern masculinity embraces vulnerability as an expression of courage. Rodriguez says, “The strongest man today is the most vulnerable. If you’re able to be self-aware of what you feel and what you want and you don’t have to fake anything or try to keep up the image that society puts on you... if you are who you are, and you’re able to embrace that, you’re a man.”
This is changing the views that masculinity once imposed on men to be in a constant particular emotional state. It is stating that now if you're able to embrace the way you feel 'you're a man', although I agree with embracing the way you feel; I disagree with putting another label on it. Its changing one expectation with another, yes it may be better but it's putting being male from one box into another.
6. They Act According To Their Values. A millennial man follows through on his values. He values his own sense of self above others’ sense of who he is so he honours his commitment to himself first and foremost. Rodriguez says you can get in touch with your values by folding pieces of paper in half with the following sections: needs and wants; strengths and weaknesses; and dreams and reality. Place the paper somewhere visible so you’ll continuously be reminded of it. “Remember to listen to your heart and not just your mind,” Rodriguez encourages.
This point is highlighting that people, in order to feel satisfied with their lives, should live to their own expectations before even taking anyone else into consideration. Its also saying that the modern man needs to make their own motivation, and live to their own values rather than only taking on that of others.
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