Who speaks for men?: the disappearance of male space

Summary

Dr. Orion Terban discusses the cultural phenomenon of male ideologues and the crisis of masculinity in modern society. He explores the absence of exclusively male spaces, both physical and social, and how this has led to young men seeking guidance from forceful and charismatic personalities. Terban argues that the dismantling of male spaces, coupled with the lack of public discourse on male issues like suicide, creates a vacuum that these ideologues fill. He calls for the recognition of the need for safe, exclusive male spaces to foster positive mental health outcomes and reduce the appeal of extreme subcultures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Men are increasingly drawn to charismatic figures who promise to address their specific issues due to a lack of traditional male role models.
• 😀 The absence of male-only spaces in society is a significant factor contributing to the rise of these ideologues.
• 😀 Many formerly male-dominated spaces like business, sports, and social clubs are now more inclusive, diminishing traditional male spaces.
• 😀 Women, on the other hand, still maintain exclusive spaces like the Girl Scouts and tend to resist the idea of sharing them with men.
• 😀 Just as women benefit from female-only spaces for safety and comfort, men also experience positive mental health outcomes in same-sex environments.
• 😀 The dismantling of male spaces has extended to public discourse, where men’s issues, like suicide rates, are often overlooked in favor of other social narratives.
• 😀 Advocacy for men in today’s social climate is often seen as controversial and antagonistic, with the implication that supporting men means opposing women.
• 😀 The social backlash against male advocates discourages nuanced voices and leaves only more aggressive figures in the discourse.
• 😀 If male spaces were preserved and nurtured, the appeal of extreme, polarizing figures would likely diminish, as men would already feel seen and validated.
• 😀 Men and boys, like women and girls, benefit from unisex environments where they feel valued and acknowledged at all stages of development.
• 😀 A more balanced approach to creating supportive spaces for men could reduce the attraction to extreme ideologies and promote greater intersexual understanding.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Dr. Orion Terban's talk?

The main topic of Dr. Orion Terban's talk is the concept of male spaces and the crisis of masculinity, exploring how certain ideological figures have gained influence over young men due to the lack of dedicated male spaces.

What is the psychological explanation for the rise of male ideologues?

The rise of male ideologues is partly explained by the absence of real male role models and traditional male spaces. In the void left by dismantling these spaces, impressionable young men turn to charismatic figures for direction and guidance.

Why does Dr. Terban emphasize the absence of male spaces in today's society?

Dr. Terban highlights the absence of male spaces to emphasize how this lack of dedicated spaces for men has contributed to the emergence of ideologues who cater to men's needs and issues. Without these spaces, young men struggle to find support and validation.

How have traditionally male-dominated spaces changed over time?

Traditionally male-dominated spaces such as the workforce, sports, and social clubs have either been infiltrated by women or dismantled altogether. Dr. Terban notes that there are virtually no exclusive male spaces left in the West today.

What is the significance of unisex environments for both men and women?

Unisex environments are beneficial for both men and women. They provide opportunities for individuals to interact with the opposite sex, but Dr. Terban argues that single-gender spaces are equally important for both genders, as they promote comfort, safety, and mental health benefits.

Why are men's issues, such as suicide, often marginalized in public discourse?

Men's issues, like suicide, are marginalized because public discourse tends to focus on issues affecting women. For example, while men have higher suicide rates, the conversation often shifts to the struggles of transgender people, overshadowing the specific challenges men face.

How does the feminist movement's approach to gender issues differ from the treatment of men's issues?

The feminist movement is often not seen as opposing men when advocating for women, but when men advocate for their own interests, they are sometimes viewed as opposing women. This double standard leads to men being hesitant to speak out on issues that specifically affect them.

What is Dr. Terban's view on ideologues who advocate for men?

Dr. Terban acknowledges that some male ideologues are unapologetic advocates for men, offering a space where young men can feel seen and heard. However, he warns that these figures can attract aggressive or grandiose personalities, which might distort the overall message.

How would the presence of male spaces reduce the influence of extreme ideologues?

If men and boys had consistent, positive experiences in male spaces where they felt validated and seen, the appeal of extreme and aggressive ideologues would diminish. They would no longer be as attractive to young men seeking direction.

What does Dr. Terban propose as a solution to the issues discussed?

Dr. Terban proposes that nurturing and preserving male spaces in a positive and sustainable way could help reduce the influence of polarizing ideologues. By offering spaces where men can be valued and supported, the need for extreme subcultures would decrease.