Should the 1980s new man be a new role model for men?
The role model for men, unfortunately used to be an unemotional, stern, breadwinner. Obviously this is unreasonable, men are human beings, not emotionless worker robots and no one has the right to make you feel like you are one.
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
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Original post by Stressed_0ut
The role model for men, unfortunately used to be an unemotional, stern, breadwinner. Obviously this is unreasonable, men are human beings, not emotionless worker robots and no one has the right to make you feel like you are one.
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
This is a really compelling talking point, and I would argue an important one to have. I think your concept for a male role model is interesting, but I think in the pluralistic society we have developed, with people so individual because of capitalism and globalisation, there is likely need for several different role models in its place. One of my favourites is Mark Simpson‘s ‘metrosexual’ male archetype, because I think it represents a progressive and modern insight into modern masculinity. In some ways it represents gender convergence as the type has less traditionally ‘masculine’ elements while still representing a man, such as grooming and style, or active roles in childcare. In my opinion this represents one of the best role models to demonstrate to young men.
Original post by Finlay.ts
This is a really compelling talking point, and I would argue an important one to have. I think your concept for a male role model is interesting, but I think in the pluralistic society we have developed, with people so individual because of capitalism and globalisation, there is likely need for several different role models in its place. One of my favourites is Mark Simpson‘s ‘metrosexual’ male archetype, because I think it represents a progressive and modern insight into modern masculinity. In some ways it represents gender convergence as the type has less traditionally ‘masculine’ elements while still representing a man, such as grooming and style, or active roles in childcare. In my opinion this represents one of the best role models to demonstrate to young men.
Definitely, I was wondering if it would be good idea to let boys and men know how to be sensitive/metrosexual/in a childcare role and that it's okay to be sensitive/metrosexual/ in a childcare role?
the concept of a singular role model/ideal will not fit everybody, so i think the best goal is to have positive portrayals of men in media who have individual personalities beyond "progressive dude" or "family guy" or "Mr. Rogers" or w/ever. i do think your use of metrosexual unironically is extremely funny
Original post by 64Lightbulbs
the concept of a singular role model/ideal will not fit everybody, so i think the best goal is to have positive portrayals of men in media who have individual personalities beyond "progressive dude" or "family guy" or "Mr. Rogers" or w/ever. i do think your use of metrosexual unironically is extremely funny
Oops, I only just found out about the term! Also I completely understand that not every single man is going to be just like the positive male role model, I thought the male role model could be more of a rough outline rather than a specific personality. For example the outline of being able to be sensitive, and being a caring part of the family.
Original post by Stressed_0ut
The role model for men, unfortunately used to be an unemotional, stern, breadwinner. Obviously this is unreasonable, men are human beings, not emotionless worker robots and no one has the right to make you feel like you are one.
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
Afterwards, the old role for men disappeared due to it’s unrealistic expectations. It was then replaced with someone called the 1980s new man, this was a wise role model for young boys to look up to, he was sensitive, balanced work and family, he wanted gender equality for both himself and others.
However, unfortunately the role model of the 1980s New man got dismissed because of sexualised media portraying men as silly half wits who only wanted sex, or “loser” virgin men who didn’t get sex. Alongside a landslide of pornographic magazines telling men that all they wanted was sex. It was extremely sexist and I can imagine how to would make a young man feel trapped.
Now, after international men’s day shone a light on the fact that there isn’t a role model for men anymore, politicians and gender equality activists are asking for one. I personally feel that the 1980s New man would be a good role model because he’s able to feel emotions, as well as strives for happiness and fulfilment over sex. Do you think we should try and get the 1980s New man back?
Interesting you say there isn't a roll model. I suppose the question is what qualities should a positive role model possess? Traditionally, a man's man dug dirt out of the ground and drank beer after having a shower with his colleagues (I never understood this) before having a bare knuckle fight, then a chippy tea.
Surely today's male role model is similar to those positive female role models we celebrate. He says that as a boy, you can achieve whatever you want to and should not be judged in doing so? There isn't a male role model any more because in a more equal society a man can be a cage fighter or nursery nurse without ridicule.
(edited 2 years ago)
80s man makes me think of American Psycho.
Original post by Surnia
What's your source for this supposed '1980s new man'? Men of any generation can be a great role model.
My dad was born long before the 1980s and he was an amazing person.
My dad was born long before the 1980s and he was an amazing person.
It was more of a movement in the 1980s, here I'll leave a source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25943326
Original post by hotpud
Interesting you say there isn't a roll model. I suppose the question is what qualities should a positive role model possess? Traditionally, a man's man dug dirt out of the ground and drank beer after having a shower with his colleagues (I never understood this) before having a bare knuckle fight, then a chippy tea.
Surely today's male role model is similar to those positive female role models we celebrate. He says that as a boy, you can achieve whatever you want to and should not be judged in doing so? There isn't a male role model any more because in a more equal society a man can be a cage fighter or nursery nurse without ridicule.
Surely today's male role model is similar to those positive female role models we celebrate. He says that as a boy, you can achieve whatever you want to and should not be judged in doing so? There isn't a male role model any more because in a more equal society a man can be a cage fighter or nursery nurse without ridicule.
Have I got this right, you're saying that a boy can have a female role model and a girl can have a male one? If so, that makes some sense however I can see how a boy may resonate with a man more easily than a women, but it's not impossible for a boy to look up to a women.
Original post by Stressed_0ut
Have I got this right, you're saying that a boy can have a female role model and a girl can have a male one? If so, that makes some sense however I can see how a boy may resonate with a man more easily than a women, but it's not impossible for a boy to look up to a women.
Why not? When you think about role models, what is it about them that makes them a model for you? Is it purely there gender or is it their honesty, integrity, what they have achieved, how they conduct themselves etc etc?
If the later, then why can't women be role models for boys and visa versa?
Many people, especially men admired Thatcher because of her dogged determination and hard hitting decision making. Did they admire her for simply being a woman? Probably not.
I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Men being completely unemotional and bottling everything up isn’t healthy, but some of these ‘modern day men’ are just pathetic. However, a lot of people right now are having bother picking what gender they are, or what kitchen appliance they’re identifying as that day let alone adding role models into the mix.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by hotpud
Why not? When you think about role models, what is it about them that makes them a model for you? Is it purely there gender or is it their honesty, integrity, what they have achieved, how they conduct themselves etc etc?
If the later, then why can't women be role models for boys and visa versa?
Many people, especially men admired Thatcher because of her dogged determination and hard hitting decision making. Did they admire her for simply being a woman? Probably not.
If the later, then why can't women be role models for boys and visa versa?
Many people, especially men admired Thatcher because of her dogged determination and hard hitting decision making. Did they admire her for simply being a woman? Probably not.
You make a good agurement, unfortunately males are often encouraged to look to other males as role models, so to have role models who can be another gender we need to let boys know that's a possibility. Most boys I knew growing up only had male role models like superman, Dr who (before they were a women), spiderman ect. Do you think having mixed sex role models could help improve gender equality?
Original post by Stressed_0ut
You make a good agurement, unfortunately males are often encouraged to look to other males as role models, so to have role models who can be another gender we need to let boys know that's a possibility. Most boys I knew growing up only had male role models like superman, Dr who (before they were a women), spiderman ect. Do you think having mixed sex role models could help improve gender equality?
I never considered gender as an issue. You did. I just suggested boys could aspire to whatever they like. Sure some might sight being strong and against evil as something to aspire to but equally why can't men aspire to be gentle and caring? That was my point.
i would disagree that this 1980's new man (only heard of it now) replaced any previous notion of what it means to be male; if it had such an wide impact we would still see some reminense of it today and young people in 2021 would be able to say they were raised by stay-at-home fathers, which in my experience doesn't happen, cuz as the BBC article states, 'the New Man was someone "who rejects sexist attitudes and the traditional male role, esp. in the context of domestic responsibilities and childcare..."'. i've also studied employment law at university as well and haven't read any evidence that men have ever not been the traditional breadwinner. they just aren't interested in it and why would they when there are no role models for inspiration.
with that said i suppose the BBC article says nothing about a 'new man' being a stay-at-home father or even working part-time while mother goes off to work; seems to give them an award for simple putting in laundry or changing a diaper. maybe that was a huge step for men in the 80s idk. think men are more likely to do that kinda stuff now than in like the 50s but have we progressed beyond that? no doesn't look that way.
but yeah i agree there needs to be far more strong male role models; men who take responsibility for themselves and stop activity like victims would be nice for example. think some men want that to and is why Jordan Peterson was so popular cuz that was his message; it's just ironic that all these men who adored him at the same time were the biggest whingers on the internet.
with that said i suppose the BBC article says nothing about a 'new man' being a stay-at-home father or even working part-time while mother goes off to work; seems to give them an award for simple putting in laundry or changing a diaper. maybe that was a huge step for men in the 80s idk. think men are more likely to do that kinda stuff now than in like the 50s but have we progressed beyond that? no doesn't look that way.
but yeah i agree there needs to be far more strong male role models; men who take responsibility for themselves and stop activity like victims would be nice for example. think some men want that to and is why Jordan Peterson was so popular cuz that was his message; it's just ironic that all these men who adored him at the same time were the biggest whingers on the internet.
Original post by Joleee
but yeah i agree there needs to be far more strong male role models; men who take responsibility for themselves and stop activity like victims would be nice for example. think some men want that to and is why Jordan Peterson was so popular cuz that was his message; it's just ironic that all these men who adored him at the same time were the biggest whingers on the internet.
Not all men are the same and not all men fit this description. Couldn't the same be said for "some" women too?
Original post by hotpud
Not all men are the same and not all men fit this description. Couldn't the same be said for "some" women too?
sorry where did i say all men fit that description?
personally can name at least three men close to me who don't, namely my father and two older brothers. you are looking for an argument i did not make; was only talking about role models which is the subject of the thread 
(yes of course the same could be said about some women, but again, see para above)
Original post by Joleee
sorry where did i say all men fit that description? personally can name at least three men close to me who don't, namely my father and two older brothers. you are looking for an argument i did not make; was only talking about role models which is the subject of the thread
(yes of course the same could be said about some women, but again, see para above)
personally can name at least three men close to me who don't, namely my father and two older brothers. you are looking for an argument i did not make; was only talking about role models which is the subject of the thread (yes of course the same could be said about some women, but again, see para above)
My apologies. When I read "men who take responsibility for themselves and stop [acting] like victims would be nice for example", I read that as all men need to take responsibility and stop acting like victims.
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