The concept of masculinity is at the forefront of the Trump-Harris election.
According to Jonathan Alpert, testosterone levels are not affected by political beliefs.
The 1950s and low-T betas are the focus of polarizing views on masculinity in this year's campaign, with some feeling that male supporters of former President Trump are stuck in the past, while others see Vice President Harris as attracting a diverse group of supporters.
In November, the issue of masculinity will be decided on the ballot, according to Ronald Levant, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.
Dana Bash of CNN reported that the Democratic National Convention leaders are attempting to win the backing of men who prefer speakers such as Gov. Tim Walz and second gentleman Doug Emhoff over wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who publicly supported Trump at the Republican National Convention by removing his shirt.
Bash stated on Wednesday that they are using male figures, such as Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff, to communicate with men who may not fit the stereotype of being testosterone-laden, gun-toting individuals who want to listen to Hulk Hogan and the type of players who appeared at the RNC.
The CNN anchor stated that Democrats aim to win over men who are comfortable with their own skin and support women in 2024.
Bash stated that they are actively working on engaging male voters beyond their base.
The DNC's comments about Bash quickly went viral, prompting many conservatives to suggest that they were appealing to "low-T soy boys" and other derogatory remarks. In response, some people said, "I like my testosterone high and my guns long, so I'll pass." Others were frustrated that Bash's comments suggested that being a wrestling fan who enjoyed hunting and being a loving, supportive husband were mutually exclusive.
The Trump-Harris race has sparked different opinions on how it will impact the modern debate on masculinity and whether traditional masculine values are still relevant or accepted.
The Harris-Walz campaign has marketed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a flannel-wearing former football coach, while also promoting camouflage hats that are typically associated with gun-toting men.
Since the 1950s, when men ruled households, a lot has changed in the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of men and masculinity, family and gender psychology, as evidenced by Levant's books "The Problem with Men" and "Masculinity Reconstructed."
Gus's emotional response to his father's DNC speech proves that Walz is a manly governor, according to him.
According to Levant, the kind of man Tim Walz is can be determined by his care for his son and daughter. Therefore, he believes there is a new model of being a man.
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author, believes that the media is contributing to the division of the electorate through comments like those made by Bash.
"According to Alpert, testosterone levels are not affected by political affiliation. While certain activities may align with the interests of adrenaline junkies, Alpert knows many individuals who engage in such activities who vote Democrat. Similarly, he knows many people who lean right but do not participate in activities traditionally associated with masculinity."
Trump typically emphasizes traditional masculine traits such as assertiveness, toughness, and dominance, as seen in his recent display of defiance after being shot in Pennsylvania by a would-be assassin.
"Alpert stated that "Harris' view challenges traditional stereotypes of masculinity by emphasizing diversity and inclusion, as seen in the recent assassination attempt and his bloody face.""
According to branding expert Doug Zarkin, author of "Moving Your Brand Out Of The Friend Zone," Bash's approach oversimplifies the issue by focusing solely on gender dynamics.
Zarkin stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the commentary on leadership with leaders like Tim Walz goes beyond gender. Walz demonstrates that strength is not limited to projecting power or fitting a stereotypical masculine mold. Instead, it involves substance, such as connecting with people on a genuine level and leading with empathy.
"Zarkin emphasized that Walz's strength is not based on bravado or testosterone, but rather on his personality and leadership qualities. He pointed out that Walz's strength comes from how he interacts with people, his authenticity, and the depth of his words. Zarkin clarified that this discussion is not about gender, but rather about the kind of strength that is needed in today's world."
Mike Nellis, founder of White Dudes for Harris, believes that men who were ridiculed online as "beta males" after Bash's comments are actually inspiring figures.
According to Nellis, there are millions of men who reject the outdated, hyper-masculine image promoted by figures like Hulk Hogan and their Republican counterparts. Hogan embodies a bygone era where "real men" were defined by outdated notions of toughness and bravado.
"True masculinity is about caring for others and building strong communities, not clinging to hollow machismo. Men today are tired of that toxic narrative; they want to lead with love and hope. Leaders like Gov. Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff embody the kind of masculinity worth aspiring to."
In July at the RNC, Terry Bollea, also known as Hogan, unveiled a Trump-Vance 2024 shirt beneath his "Real American" shirt, in a pro wrestling-style move.
"Brother, I said, let Trump-a-mania take over again and make America great once more!" he shouted.
Ted Jenkin, CEO and co-founder of Oxygen Financial and president of Exit Stage Left Advisors, dislikes being instructed on how to identify.
What is the reason for the constant emphasis on how men should identify in America? It is possible to enjoy both watching Hulk-A-Mania and a Hallmark movie. We should prioritize voting on policies rather than personalities. I prefer capitalism and being an entrepreneur like Hulk Hogan over government regulations dictating my behavior and actions.
Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and head of the Academy for Women and Leadership, recognizes that some people are drawn to Democrats because they appeal to "men who support women and are comfortable with their masculinity." However, she believes this is more of a generational and cultural issue.
The 'dad bod' or 'softer male' is a contemporary man who embodies cultural norms and ambiguity. These men are not competing with conservative party-attracted men, who see themselves as Constitutionally-driven and possibly gun-toting, but this does not exclude them from supporting women, as Chilcutt told Planet Chronicle Digital.
Chilcutt continued, "This doesn't exclude them from being highly educated."
"I am married to an Alpha male who holds women in high esteem and attracts a base of women. They garner respect."
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The RNC is the opposite of the DNC, as agreed upon by the Trump campaign and Bash.
According to Planet Chronicle Digital, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung stated that the DNC is low energy and low impact, with Democrats resorting to personal attacks and lies. In contrast, the RNC and President Trump have presented a positive vision for America.
This report was contributed to by Alexander Hall, David Rutz, and Ryan Gaydos of Planet Chronicle Digital.
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