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Hawley, Smith Say ‘Wokeism’ and Modern Feminism Are Undermining Masculinity
WASHINGTON – Sen. Josh hawley (R-MO) and author Ryan Smith argue that contemporary cultural trends, including “wokeism” and aspects of modern feminism, are contributing to a crisis of masculinity in America. They believe this is negatively impacting men and, consequently, society as a whole.
Smith stated that modern feminism sometimes appears to de-emphasize inherent differences between men and women. He argued this can lead to a rejection of traditionally masculine traits.
A recent exchange regarding biological sex and pregnancy gained attention in 2022. During a House hearing, Dr. Bhavik Kumar, medical director for primary and trans care at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, explained that transgender men can become pregnant. He clarified this refers to individuals assigned female at birth who identify as men but retain reproductive organs. This statement was accurately reported, but often misrepresented in conservative media. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/planned-parenthood-doctor-tells-congress-men-can-get-pregnant-this-is-medicine
Hawley, who received significant media coverage for questioning a nominee at a Senate hearing about whether men can get pregnant, also attributes negative perceptions of masculinity to “wokeism.” https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387766751112
“It’s gone under different banners for many years, but the crux of it is they deny any real value to masculinity,” he said.
Hawley emphasized the importance of men embracing qualities he believes are divinely ordained. “We need men who are good men,who are strong men,and they want to use their strength for what it was meant for,what God designed it for,to protect,to empower,to build,to defend,” he said.
He also asserted that men are unfairly blamed for societal problems. “I think that is a hugely destructive and totally false narrative, but it’s one that I think has been, frankly, very, very harmful for an entire generation of men, who, on the one hand, want to be strong men, they want to be good men.”
Hawley suggested that religious institutions can serve as positive role models for young men. “Churches, synagogues – these are home bases for men learning how to be men,” he said. He also advocated for mentorship programs.
“I think it’s time that we reclaimed the stories from our heritage as Americans, the stories from our founding documents and documents like the Bible, which are so foundational to our civilization, to show men that actually, you know what? Good, strong men are vital to the success of liberty, to the success of civilization, to the protection of families and children and the flourishing of women too, by the way. And that message needs to be heard again,” Hawley said.
Smith believes the role of masculinity is to provide safety and build a strong future.
Hawley echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think the message we need to send to men is we need you. We really do. You are extremely significant. You’re important for our economy, you’re important to the future of the country, you’re important to your family, you’re important to the community.”
Fox News’ Alba Cuebas-fantauzzi and Peter Kasperowicz contributed to this report.
*Elizabeth Heckman is a writer