Navigating life without a father figure is insanely difficult. Even coming from a purely evolutionary context not having an older man who is guiding a younger man through the vicissitudes of life can make that younger man vulnerable and, in a way, weaker than other men who had support (no judgment). Personally, I think not having a father figure is traumatic for men and they grow up lost despite their best efforts. It can breed emotional volatility and by that I mean a man has to learn to properly account for his emotional well being, reactions, and expressive behavior from ANOTHER man (course correction). I think men process emotions differently than women which would make doing it all by yourself even more cumbersome.

From school shootings, sexual abuse, physical abuse, violence etc. I think at the root of the issue is a lack of mindfulness towards men and their position in society. Men are groomed to not pay attention to their emotions and to follow reason and machismo. A heavy reliance on suppression in terms of emotions can make you so emotionally unintelligent that you can come to the misguided conclusion that the world owes you something. Even worse you can begin to think that harming others is an appropriate and logical way to deal with life’s burdens (aim assistance).

I guess this is a long winded way of saying, yes, men have it rough. It also by no means excuses their behavior or makes their suffering any more important than everyone else’s. It is just to say that we need less podcasts and more active men in our communities helping the younger generation of men flourish and become their best selves and not take from society in the worst ways possible (course correction).