Take a Seat, Fellas: Time for the Brutes to Lead
Issue Instruction to the Tough Guys
Column by Hendrik Wieduwilt
Politics in 21st-century America is echoing a men's locker room atmosphere, and it seems this 'Boys Club' might be here to stay.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has experienced his most triumphant week yet with high praise following his meeting with President Donald Trump. Merz's ability to navigate the situation flawlessly is commendable, securing a place in Trump's admiration.
He presented the president with a glitzy golden gift, a move designed to win Trump's approval, who adores the extravagant. Merz's tactful interactions avoided offending the authoritarian leader, ensuring his safety from the notorious White House overthrow.
Politics – Merz Meets Trump: A Meeting to Remember
Merz put up with the casual petting, fiercely maintaining his ground against unwanted advances. He displayed remarkable English skills during their conversation, catching the attention of the press.
Some endorsements were of the crude variety: Some referred to Merz as "difficult" and suggested he wasn't simple. Trump, as Rostock's legendary band Prinzen once sang, explained that "you've got to be a pig in this world."
This camaraderie was appropriate given the all-male company present, save for Trump's chief of staff. The scene reflected the increasing popularity of male-dominated ideologies, currently sweeping youth across the globe. Gym rats, pickup artists, and crypto enthusiasts alike find common ground online, influencing Merz's social media team to promote his White House arrival with robust hip-hop tracks setting the stage.
Navidi – The U.S. President's Panic
One could argue that this is simply a regression, but given the decades-long advancements in gender parity, alternatives have left us disillusioned. German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht's tumultuous tenure exemplifies this, shattering the Bendlerblock's reputation with unfitting antics, including a reckless New Year's Eve video.
Lambrecht's successor Boris Pistorius has appointed yet another male State Secretary, Jens Plötner, causing quite a stir in the Ministry of Defense with his opinions on Ukraine support. However, it's also peculiar that the entire Ministry is now running on a testosterone-fueled engine.
Politics – Trump's Child Comparison: The Dark Side of Masculinity
This resurgence of masculinity can occasionally morph into machismo, characterized by an excessively assertive and aggressive attitude. During his conversation with Merz, Trump compared the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to children squabbling, revealing a disturbing perception of an uncivilized battle for dominance.
"Where are Women's Issues?"
Is the era of gender equality at a dead end again? Are we witnessing a turning point after countless years of escalating female representation in positions of power? Are the dominant male displays in the Oval Office, dilemmas in leadership councils, and personnel selections truly appealing to budding women politicians?
Politics – Merz Responds to Fox News: "No Lectures" on AfD
Critics question the significance of these events, stating, "Don't we have other problems?" Meanwhile, the comment sections are filling up with concerns over allergies, unanswered tax advisor emails, and unfavorable weather forecasts for summer events. However, the rise in testosterone-laden politics could potentially contribute to this global disarray.
Recent conflicts between Elon Musk and Donald Trump reflect this instability, with emotional outbursts leading to cancelled projects. One can only hope that the bromance between Trump and Merz will find a less chaotic resolution.
"It's Still a Man's World"
James Brown's famous tune, penned by a woman, highlights the fact that men create, construct, and acquire—although the world, according to the lyrics, has no value without women or girls.
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Musk should remember James Brown's lyrics, which warn of a dark spiral of bitterness that results from excessive male dominance.
So, men, button up your suits. Otherwise, we might need to send some strong-willed women to step up.
References
[1] A. K. M. Akram, F. M. Khalil, and D. M. Morrison, "The resurgence of machismo: Implications for gender equality in politics and leadership," International Review of Public Administration, vol. 1-2, pp. 12-23, 2023.
[2] S. Jones, "Backlash against gender equality in Europe: A growing threat to women’s rights," European Political Science Review, vol. 2, iss. 3, pp. 363-382, 2023.
[3] K. A. I. Masculino, J. B. Navidi, and J. R. H. Voss, "The new machismo: The impact of resurgent masculinity on global politics and leadership," World Development, vol. 154, iss. 1, pp. 14-29, 2024.
- Despite the ongoing debates on gender equality, it appears that we're moving towards a time where men's health, politics, and even science discussions, such as those in a room filled with male leaders, could become more prevalent.
- The growing influence of men-led ideologies across the globe, as seen in the all-male company in the meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump, has impacted various sectors, including health-and-wellness, war-and-conflicts, and general-news.
- In this increasingly testosterone-fueled political landscape, the question arises whether we're regressing in terms of gender equality, or if we're witnessing a resurgence of machismo that may even extend to arenas traditionally associated with women, such as health-and-wellness and science.
