(Programming Note: The curriculum creator is a man who deems himself a manly man, with some degree of spousal agreement). 

We are going to discuss masculinity in the context of American civics and government affairs. We recognize how unpopular it is to speak about any problems associated with masculinity. America tends to keep this issue hidden, our “Blind Masculines” keep it that way. They don’t like us to talk about their faults or mistakes. But today we are going to speak openly and honestly about it, without fear of judgment or retribution.

American citizenship requires us to maintain the ability to deal effectively with 320 Million diverse people, not just a small team or family unit - something which masculine men tend to be good at in smaller-scale settings. .

The main contention of this module to be challenged:

(Participant Cards) 

• “Blind Masculines” - Men who ignore or fail to consider the negative aspects of their masculinity are not biologically equipped to deal effectively with the complex issues presented by the government.

• Blind Masculines aren’t good at dealing with the complexities of larger, more diverse, community systems, such as America.

(All Together)

But - Facts are stubborn things (John Adams)

Let's review just a few of the biological factual traits of men as compared to women, that we already know, but don’t like to talk about. 

(Participant Cards. Suggested that boys and girls participate here. Also please raise your arms and flex your biceps at some point as you read your card loudly - as a “real man” would). 

• I’m a masculine man. I’m cool. I’m tough. I’m decisive. 

• I’m more power-hungry 

• I’m much less patient

• I’m far more impulsive in decision-making

• I'm slower to admit a mistake. 

• I’m more easily embarrassed by personal failure and more prone to hide my mistakes 

• I’m quicker to pick a fight or to resort to threats of violence to settle a disagreement

• I’m less tolerant, less kind, and less compassionate

(Discuss: what biological traits have we missed?  How do the natural born tendencies of males and females compare when dealing with issues of significant complexity, such as government affairs?)

Results of America’s cultural love affair with masculinity and “blind masculines” in charge of government

(Participant Cards)

• There is a reason why we fail year after year to improve our society. 

• Our love affair with manly men, who are blind to their own shortcomings as leaders of complex systems, has been a major blind spot that has held America back for years. 

• Teaching mental health awareness or “social emotional learning” is viewed as “womanly” or overly “touchy - feely” so it is never made a priority.

• This cultural climate lowers our overall empathy for the human condition. 

(All Together) 

The sooner we accept certain facts about ourselves, the sooner we can stop living according to harmful cultural myths, and our reality will improve.

Further discussion and research: 

(Consider a short section about balanced masculinity or examples of emotionally intelligent male leaders that would strengthen this ingredient. Avoid putting down men in a general sense, rather keep the discussion focused on the need for leaders in government to be sensitized to complex issues.) 

Discuss the term “bonehead” or “knucklehead”. Is there truth behind those terms? Ever heard the term “Alpha Dog”? Men make up over 93% of all of the people locked up in our society. Over 6 million men in the U.S. suffer from depression annually, but only 1 in 4 seek help.

Resources: 

Letters To Mikey, Pages  160-161 on the American love affair with Masculinity.