In Search of the Good Man

The excesses of the woke left don't justify the woke right.

The modern-day right is awash with alpha male mentalities, or at least the encouragement of them. They exist squarely opposite those for whom the "woke mind virus" has infected. At first glance, pushing back against that sickness is good, even respectable. We need fewer progressives who believe masculinity is toxic and traditional relationships are bad. But the alternative mindset that has been created in recent years is not a better one. In many ways, it is just as harmful. 

Addressing the "woke right" is difficult, no matter the context. If you're a female and attempt to do so, you're dismissed as a third-wave feminist. If you're a male and speak up, you're told you display weakness and are jealous of real men. This "woke right" exists to counter everything from the woke left. But in a desperate attempt to take back the culture, it has become just as extreme. Much like the woke left, it brings with it damaging long-term effects. 

Donald Trump's ascendancy has taught those on the right side of the political aisle that it is alright to be the worst version of yourself. In fact, considering Trump's popularity, it's downright admirable to use insults, bullying, and lies to gain or maintain power. It makes you a fighter. You stand out in a society where protecting mental health is on-trend. It's rebellious and cool. 

Except it's not. 

The alpha male mindset spreads easily online. The trad lifestyle is in direct conflict with the purple-haired progressives who embrace socialism and wear "Free Palestine!" buttons. It's a return to the manner of living that values homesteading, homeschooling, and a more orthodox view of gender roles and child-rearing. There is nothing wrong with the trad trend. In fact, there is much to be celebrated about these conventions. But problems arise when it's revered in such a way that it makes no room for others who may still be conservative but deviate from such a rigid structure. Most harmful of all is that it promotes a masculinity that is demeaning and destructive instead of respectful and protective. 

Rejecting wokeism doesn't mean embracing or emulating Trump Era tendencies. And if we're honest, this era produces cheap male role models who stand on others in order to gain viral prominence. And it's all under the guise of a return to a better time. 

We desperately need a better class of men than what is promoted and cheered for by some of the biggest names on the right side of the aisle. Truth be told, there are many good men who cling to conservative ideals and want what is best for their marriages, families, and communities. Unfortunately, the boorish behavior we see celebrated by pundits and influencer types can have a deleterious effect on otherwise reasonable men. This is unsurprising in a country that looks to politicians and adjacent parties as celebrities. What's more, these individuals are often seen as saviors of the country. Society as a whole continues its downward spiral. Those on the right who are seen as liberators might be brash (or worse), but hey, at least they're liberating. 

Andrew Tate sells a warped, predatory view of masculinity and is proud to treat women like sexual objects (most likely criminally, too). He is a notable figure in the so-called manosphere. One may think he has limited influence. But, according to Google, Andrew Tate was the third most searched person in 2023. Tate has been interviewed by Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. He is admired by a certain type of man who views him as a return to strength. In fact, he's the opposite of that. He preaches domination of women in a manner that views them as trash. He promotes a lifestyle that isn't about a healthy family or contribution to community, but using others for your own advantage, no matter the cost. In Romania, the self-described misogynist is charged "with rape, human trafficking and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women." Unfortunately, he can and does impact impressionable young men and even older, established men disturbed by the cultural leftist contagion they see around them. But Tate and those like him aren't a better alternative. 

Reclaiming the culture means nothing if its replacement is a distorted masculinity that looks down on women and praises self above all. 

Of course, suggesting that change needs to happen is met with dismissal, especially if you're a woman. But conservative women understand just how integral men are in families and society at large. We want neither the far left and emasculated nor the far right and despotic. There is a healthy in-between.

It's easy to feel powerless in 2024. A media dominated by leftists tell us what to think. Third-wave feminism continues to rage. Gender confusion is rampant. Tradition is maligned. The nuclear family is an antiquated notion. The fertility rate is abysmally low. Men and women who are anywhere right of center feel frantic. But despair at the state of things isn't a reason to go down a path that's just extremism by a different title. 

Kimberly Ross is a freelance opinion writer who has written political and cultural commentary since 2015. She has bylines at The Federalist, USA Today, The Bulwark, Arc Digital, and ACN Ireland, among others. She was a senior contributor at RedState from 2015-2019. She has been a contributor to Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential Blog since 2018 and frequently appears in Washington Examiner magazine. She is co-host of The Right Thoughts Podcast. She holds a BA in History with graduate work in political science. She lives with her husband and two energetic sons in the Southern United States. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @SouthernKeeks.