The hottest Masculinity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Artist as Cultural Shaman, Kendrick Lamar

The Bigger Picture • 738 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Masculinity
  1. Kendrick Lamar's latest album delves deep into personal demons, triggering a collective process of healing for fans.
  2. Lamar's introspective work challenges societal norms by addressing masculinity, vulnerability, and responsibility in a raw and honest way.
  3. The album emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, highlighting the clash between personal growth and societal expectations.

40. Good Talk #8: Joe Wilkins

The Truth Does Not Change According to Our Ability to Stomach It • 196 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Masculinity
  1. Joe Wilkins emphasizes the importance of place in writing and the need to pay attention to the unique stories and landscapes of different regions.
  2. He discusses dismantling stereotypes about the American West, particularly the myths of the yeoman farmer and anti-government sentiments.
  3. Through his work, Joe Wilkins aims to challenge traditional ideas of masculinity, explore themes of violence, and offer grace and understanding to others.

Of Fuckboys and Men-Children

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Many young men struggle with growing up and often exhibit childish behavior, like pursuing unrealistic dreams instead of stable jobs. This immaturity can frustrate the people around them.
  2. Men in their 20s often feel a loss of status as they transition from high school or college to the workforce. This can lead to desperate actions, such as trying to date many women to regain a sense of worth.
  3. While their behavior may seem immature, these so-called 'men-children' often have big dreams. They may take risks, willing to fail to find their place, which is seen as a part of their journey into adulthood.

Sexism is not why boys suck at school

Sex and the State • 101 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🚌 Education Masculinity
  1. Boys perform worse in school not mainly because of sexism, but rather due to societal pressures and expectations around masculinity. Many boys think focusing on school is not 'manly' and this affects their effort and engagement.
  2. The environment at home plays a big role in how boys do in school. Boys tend to do better in stable, low-stress homes, and they struggle more in difficult situations compared to girls.
  3. Having more female teachers doesn't hurt boys' performance; instead, boys often feel they can't connect with them because they associate success in school with femininity. This shows that changing how we view education could help boys succeed.

You Will Comply and You'll be Happy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 138 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Annual compliance training can be tedious but necessary to adhere to workplace rules and ideologies
  2. New compliance modules focusing on topics like sexual harassment may have controversial or biased content
  3. Increased push for women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles in corporations may be linked to workplace dynamics and the evolving corporate agenda
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Notes on 'No Nut November'

Many Such Cases • 399 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. 'No Nut November' is a challenge where many men try to avoid ejaculation for a month. This challenge is often approached for fun, personal control, or even as a way to feel connected with their sexuality.
  2. Some men see this month as a chance to discuss and rethink their habits around sexuality, especially in relation to excessive porn use. They may recognize a need for change, even if they're unsure how to express it.
  3. The challenge may attract different motivations, including humor or serious intent, but it highlights a desire for self-discipline and a safe space to talk about these topics among peers.

Casting A Wide Net

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 186 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. People are increasingly influenced by big personalities and pop culture figures, which can shape their beliefs and feelings. It's important to recognize how this happens, especially in a world flooded with media.
  2. There seems to be a masculinity crisis in society, affecting young men who are feeling lost. Solutions may not be simple, but addressing deeper issues of responsibility and real-life values could help.
  3. Technology and social media are driving a lot of negativity, often promoting conflict and anger. It’s essential to be aware of how algorithms shape what we see and how we react.

Have women ever considered what keeps men from doing better?

Sex and the State • 70 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Masculinity
  1. Men often feel pressured to conform to traditional masculinity, which can limit their emotional expression. This fear of being vulnerable can lead to negative behaviors.
  2. Both men and women are affected by strict gender roles that can hinder their growth and well-being. Just like women face consequences for breaking norms, men do too.
  3. Changing how men behave requires creating safer spaces for them to express themselves. Blaming men without understanding the risks they face isn't helpful.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 117 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Life can be tough for men today. They often feel pressure to be stronger and tougher.
  2. It's important for men to find a balance between being tough and vulnerable. Emotions matter too.
  3. Understanding modern masculinity can help men navigate their roles better in society.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Masculinity
  1. bell hooks and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of living by an ethic of love, prioritizing integrity and truth over natural niceties.
  2. hooks believed in the power of a love ethic as the basis of social justice movements and cultural analysis, contrasting young listeners who saw love as naive and weak.
  3. hooks addressed the damaging effects of patriarchal masculinity on men, urging them to embrace feminist masculinity characterized by compassion, sensitivity, and respect towards others.

Manliness Is Next To Godliness?

Gideon's Substack • 114 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Masculinity
  1. Many people today might view manliness and moral courage differently than before. They often see strong self-assertion, even if it's not traditional or polite, as a sign of being a 'real man.'
  2. There’s a belief among some that moral standards have been corrupted, leading them to respect those who reject these standards instead. They feel that being true to oneself and showing strength is what really matters.
  3. The ongoing transformation in how manliness is defined raises questions about traditional values. Some think that a connection with faith might be overshadowed by this new bold view of masculinity.

4 things for understanding the state of gender

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Watching gender-related content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube can help people understand current issues around gender. There are many creators doing important work, but there are also many who just want attention.
  2. Successful content creators often produce a lot of material, even if not all of it is high-quality. The more content you create, the higher the chance that something will go viral.
  3. Discussions about boys, men, and gender often highlight challenges they face and the reasons behind their behaviors. It's important to consider how societal factors impact their situations.

Did feminism make men super vain?

Sex and the State • 24 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Men are showing more interest in their appearance, with searches for fitness and beauty routines increasing, especially among younger generations. This trend shows changing attitudes about masculinity and self-care.
  2. Women's greater economic independence may influence men's beauty standards, leading them to care more about how they look. In societies where women have more status, men are becoming more focused on physical attractiveness.
  3. Social media and technology are changing how men present themselves, possibly having a bigger impact on male vanity than shifts in women's preferences. Men now see and feel pressure to look good online more than ever.

Humanizing Boys: How Disney's Luca Shows Us Another Masculinity is Possible

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. The movie Luca challenges conventional male socialization by celebrating male emotional connection and offering a different vision of masculinity.
  2. Luca showcases a friendship that involves meaningful conversations, emotional expression, and support, which contrasts with traditional aggressive and violent masculinity.
  3. Societal norms and stereotypes constrain boys' identity development by enforcing narrow definitions of masculinity, limiting their exploration of all facets of humanity.

Femininity is a flex for top-half men

Sex and the State • 41 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Top-half men can safely express femininity without facing the same backlash that bottom-half men do. This difference shows how societal pressure around gender roles varies based on social class.
  2. Many men, particularly from marginalized groups, perform masculinity to protect themselves from real threats of violence. They are often trapped in rigid gender roles that can hurt their personal development.
  3. The divide in how femininity and masculinity are perceived can affect academic success, especially for boys. Those pushed to conform to traditional masculinity may struggle more in school.

Western masculinity as Chinese foot binding

Sex and the State • 41 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Masculinity can feel like a form of emotional restriction, making it hard for men to share their feelings. This creates loneliness and can lead to harmful behaviors.
  2. Young boys often face societal pressure to act 'masculine,' which forces them to choose between being lonely or risking vulnerability. This leaves them in a tough spot.
  3. Just like foot binding, masculinity can hurt men in ways that aren't immediately obvious. It can prevent them from understanding and expressing their own pain.

Yes, we punish men more for doing gender wrong

Sex and the State • 35 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Men face stricter punishment for behaving in ways that don't fit traditional masculinity. This makes it harder for them to express themselves freely.
  2. Gender norms restrict men's behavior more than women's, leading to issues like loneliness. Men are often discouraged from showing vulnerability, which is important for forming friendships.
  3. Homophobia plays a big role in loneliness among gay men, as they face discrimination that adds to their struggles. This is tied to the idea that society expects certain behaviors from different genders.

No, incels, women are not “too shallow”

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Women value different traits than looks when choosing partners. They often prioritize status over physical appearance.
  2. The idea that women are too shallow for ugly men is not true. Most women don't typically have casual sex with anyone, regardless of looks.
  3. Improving social skills and personality can lead to better relationships. Many men focus too much on looks instead of what really matters in attracting partners.

Why women enforce the “must want sex all the time” masculinity norm

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Women play a role in supporting the idea that men should always want sex. This belief can put pressure on both genders.
  2. The expectation for men to be sexually driven can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they don't meet these standards. It can affect their confidence and relationships.
  3. Challenging these norms could free both men and women to express their true desires without societal pressure. This could lead to healthier relationships and personal happiness.

Cathy reads books: Boymom

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Having strong relationships is really important for everyone. The best part of life often comes from the people we connect with.
  2. On average, boys and men tend to have fewer and less meaningful relationships compared to girls and women. This can lead to feelings of loneliness.
  3. Masculinity plays a big role in how relationships are formed and maintained. Social norms can make it hard for boys to connect deeply without facing rejection.

Why I buy the male victimhood narrative

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Some people think that men can also be victims in society. This idea challenges how we usually think about gender roles.
  2. Believing in male victimhood can spark discussions about fairness and equality. It shows that men can face issues too, just like women.
  3. Talk about male victimhood can be divisive, but it's important to understand different perspectives. Listening to everyone's experiences creates a better conversation.

Luca's Humanizing Vision of Masculinity

Humanities in Revolt • 59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. The Disney movie Luca offers a refreshing take on masculinity, rejecting conventional norms and celebrating emotional vulnerability in boys.
  2. Luca beautifully subverts the harmful notions of patriarchal masculinity that often depict men as inherently superior, domineering, and detached.
  3. The film presents a healthy and humane vision of boyhood masculinity, promoting a more inclusive and emotionally expressive view of manhood.

Good Lessons from Bad Men

Castles in the Sky • 52 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Gangster movies can offer lessons on being a better man and person, despite the characters' flaws.
  2. Being a good man involves being a protector and provider, different from just being a good person.
  3. Contrasts in character arcs in gangster movies highlight the distinction between being a bad person and a bad man.

Playboy, A Relic of a Bygone Era

Malt Liquidity • 8 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Playboy magazine had an intellectual aspect with notable authors contributing.
  2. The magazine content was more than just nudity, challenging stereotypes of male-focused publications.
  3. There's a need to acknowledge and cater to the intellectual and libidinal aspects of male identity in media and culture.

A dick move

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Masculinity
  1. A study found that men who own guns tend to be more satisfied with their penis size. This was surprising to many who thought the opposite was true.
  2. The research looked at over 1,800 men in the US and revealed that gun ownership relates to feelings of penis satisfaction, but this connection fades for men over 60.
  3. The study challenges stereotypes about men with small penises being more likely to own guns, showing a positive correlation instead.

Butler, Bros, and Beyond

Perambulations • 3 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity
  1. Constructing a positive vision of masculinity with sci-fi can explore different gender roles and challenge societal expectations.
  2. A good vision of masculinity should focus on virtues like variance, but also consider how to implement them in the real world.
  3. Embracing a vision of masculinity that includes virtuous characteristics and the ability to navigate societal expectations can provide a meaningful path for many men.