Mindful Masculinty Manifesto
November 6th, 2024.
America woke up today to the results from the election for the 47th President of the United States. Donald Trump is re-elected for his second term as President. 71 million American citizens voted for him. 67 million American citizens voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. These are the facts.
Many people are left confused; some are outraged; some are sad.
What do we do when our nation’s majority votes outside of our value-system; differing not just in opinions, but in what we think is right and wrong. How do we look at our neighbors? No matter which way you voted during this election cycle, you were likely convinced of this exact dynamic; that the other side isn’t just different, but they’re wrong. they’re scary; they’re to blame.
Our nation is plagued by complex difficulties made out to feel simple through the use of impatient and incomplete labeling.
Bigotry.
Misogyny.
Hate.
Racism.
Sexism.
Homophobic.
These labels act as a wedge. Hammered into the grain of society like an arbor felling a tree, in hopes to topple it. Separation met with distance and more separation; more division.
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I would like to propose a different approach.
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I have been working with young men for all of my adult life. Never before has being a “good man” been more complicated and difficult.
This is not a cry for the plight of men, rather this the first stone put in place in building the foundation of a new era of masculinity. An acknowledgement of the complexities and realities of why men struggle, why they err, what can be done about it, and how to raise men to a new norm, one that raises society as a whole with it.
Women have been and continue to be less privileged than men. Many more qualified people than me have and will continue to speak to this.
What I do feel particularly qualified to speak to is how to be a good man and how to speak to men and young men, in particular, who are lost on their paths. Young men cause more societal harm than any other special interest group in America. Young men also face a unique array of issues that are under-addressed at a societal level. They are simultaneously more privileged AND more highly impacted by the affects of mental health, depression, suicide, drug use, unemployment, and are more likely to not have a home.
Men all around the country are struggling and in need of direction, guidance, mentorship, and community.
Hurt men cause harm around them.
If you know a man that has caused harm, you know a man who has struggled. This is a great and difficult truth that can be and is often written off; dismissed with the tone of disagreement that screams: “Do better” or “that doesn’t warrant what they did”. Though both of these sentiments are also difficult truths, they are not what creates change.
Our society is in need of a new approach.
Men need to relearn what it means to belong to society; to be responsible; to provide and protect, at a societal level; to be accountable;
To be Men.
To be Mindful Men.
It is my intention to continue utilizing this platform explore what this means. And to promote healthy and mindful masculinity through introspection, discussion, and challenge.
-Lance Parker
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If you are a young man and you need help, guidance, direction, you want to level up, reach out. Talk with someone.
If you are the mother or father of a young man and you are in need of additional resources and support or guidance, reach out, we can help.
