This year’s midterm elections will turn on many issues. The Iran war, tariffs, inflation. Immigration, taxes, health care.

But there is another, potentially potent undercurrent in several key races that could determine control of Congress — what makes a real man?

It’s the latest example of tough-guy politics since Donald Trump brought his own version of masculinity to the trail more than a decade ago, belittling Republican rivals and defeating two Democratic women in his White House campaigns. Now many Democrats are trying to project their own manhood — or at least more confidently deflect conservatives’ attacks — as they try to return to power.

  • Curious_Canid@piefed.ca
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    10 hours ago

    Ultimately, positive masculinity is the same thing as positive femininity. They are both about being a good person, helping others, and never being afraid of what other people might think of your behavior. They can be expressed in many different ways, but the principles are the same. There is just positive humanity.

  • Kevin77@lemmy.zip
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    12 hours ago

    This feels the same as a Republican appealing to the left by embracing therapy and wearing a man bun.

  • Redditmodstouchgrass@lemmy.zip
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    15 hours ago

    God, can we just fucking not? Can we not go back to fucking insulting each other’s fucking T levels and genitals?

    All any of this shit is going to do is convince the next generation of men that there is a “war on men”.

  • bedwyr@piefed.ca
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    16 hours ago

    No one likes the democrats and that hasn’t changed. They will win more elections because their opponents lost them, people are voting against the republicans.

    Being republican light is not being popular, it’s not appealing to conservatives, it just makes them look like cynical hacks that are playing us.

    That is all they are doing here, copying the republicans again, because it’s worked so well before. Meanwhile fucking everyone is on board wtih universal medicine but don’t mention that you worthless pieces of fucking shit (the dem establishment being said pieces of shit.)

  • hoppeduponcoffee@lemmy.zip
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    1 day ago

    A real hetero cis-man doesn’t need a subjugate women in order to protect his fragile ego. He is a capable, involved father. He takes responsibility for his own life and doesn’t need a mommy to take care of him. He doesn’t claim ownership of women’s bodies. He at least does his own fucking chores, like an adult. He develops his own passions and skills, always seeking to improve himself and grow. He is emotionally open, vulnerable and able to demonstrate compassion and kindness towards others. He values people over things. He doesn’t give credit to an old man in the sky for his successes and failures. He is an ally who defends the vulnerable, like our queer allies.

    • rynn@piefed.social
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      1 day ago

      Defending the vulnerable is essential masculinity.

      Males who punch down are the weakest, at best they are little boys.

              • Sarah Valentine@pawb.social
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                15 hours ago

                Defending the vulnerable is essential masculinity.

                This includes moms protecting their babies plainly, on its face, without question. I have no idea what point you thought you were making but I’m not going to keep reading you try. Byebye.

    • SpaceTimeInterval@lemmy.cafe
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      18 hours ago

      There isn’t such a thing as “real men” and “fake men”. Abusive men are still men. They are just bad men.

      Also, you are implying that in order to be a “real man”, you have to be a father. I have no interest in having children. I am still a man.

      • hoppeduponcoffee@lemmy.zip
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        18 hours ago

        It’s all bullshit anyway. I personally don’t care if someone is “manly” or not. The universe has no checklist of gender qualifications you must meet in order to be a good person. And you’re correct. There’s abusive and non-abusive people.

        But it’s fun to use the language of the abuser against the abuser. It’s stealing away their distorted interpretation and turning it on its head.

        This is a movement of “trad dads” who want to work all day and leave women with the responsibility for child-rearing.

    • Sarah Valentine@pawb.social
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      22 hours ago

      You just described basic human decency that all people should strive for. Attributing these things to masculinity is counterproductive.

  • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    People worried about anyone being “masculine enough” just seems ridiculous and pathetic to me. It’s the whole concept of building your identity around other people’s expectations that is wrong. Just be yourself.

    A Real Man decides what kind of man he wants to be without concern for the opinion of macho clowns.

  • lennybird@lemmy.world
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    13 hours ago

    I’ve heard food responses from Abdul on masculinity so I think most candidates have a healthy idea of masculinity, but that is of course different when you’re throwing jabs at the other opponent who believes things like “beta” and “woke” are insults to begin with.

    Call me beta all day long, I never care whatsoever lol. But they sure do.

  • BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today
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    1 day ago

    Dems always were the masculine party, full of workers and union members. It was the Republicans who were the weak, suit-wearing nerds.

    That’s one reason why I’ve always seen these tough-talking MAGAs as such phonies. In a fight, every one of those girlie men would drop to their knees and beg for mercy before the first punch. Remember how brave Hawley and Markwayne were on Jan 6?

    MAGAs are pussies.

    • artyom@piefed.social
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      24 hours ago

      Ah yeah, gotta love fighting toxic masculinity with even more toxic masculinity. Pretty sure Andrew Tate would beat your ass in a ring. If that’s what you really think it means to “win” this discussion, you would lose. But it’s ridiculous, and who could beat up who is an extremely childish way to determine who is in the right.

      • I_Jedi@lemmy.today
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        23 hours ago

        All I would need is a lighter and a liter of cyanogen azide, and Andrew Tate wouldn’t stand a chance in the ring.

  • minorkeys@sh.itjust.works
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    20 hours ago

    I doubt these men they’re trying to court will respond well to even more shaming strategies. Why is having policies that help them such an unappealing option?

  • OBJECTION!@lemmy.ml
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    17 hours ago

    Has anyone tried incorporating pyrotechnics at their campaign rallies?

    I’m pretty sure that if you awe them with the gift of fire, thump your chest, spout some superstitious nonsense, and distract them with something shiny, Americans will just start worshipping you as a god.

  • Lexam@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    Fuck yeah I’m a Nacho man! Hamburger, chicken, steak, pork you put it on and I’ll eat it! Onions, Black olives, jalapenos, some guac and sour cream. Don’t forget the cheese! And the salsa oh yeah always get a good salsa. And beans they just add that right texture you know what I mean? Mmm nachos.