The Crisis of Manliness

After reading Waller R. Newell’s article, “The Crisis of Manliness,” and listening to him speak on the subject, it became clear that Newell’s central argument was based in the idea that the increase in divorced homes has led to increase violent men. Newell claims that boys will learn to be honest and brave if they have positive male role models in their households. I do not necessarily agree with this accretion. When parents get divorced it does leave a deep scare on the children, but I think that fighting and unhappiness in the parent’s relationship will have the same effect on young men. Yes, it is important for children to have male role models in their lives but it does not necessary need to be a father. The idea of a traditional family has to be replaced by the idea that children can get the love and attention they need from outside figures like a coach or a teacher. Teenage and adult men need to stop blaming others mistakes for their own shortcomings. It is the responsibility of each person, male or female, to take control of their own lives and develop into the people they want to be.