At a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, competition and consumers on September 21, Josh Hawley (Rep.Missouri) is quoted as opining that “The effort to combat toxic masculinity in the US has led men to consume more pornography and play more video games”.

Later, speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in Orlando, Florida, Hawley addressed the issue of “manhood”, which he said was under attack, and called for men to return to traditional masculine roles.

The Donald Trump supporter, who notoriously raised a fist in support of a mob outside the US Capitol on 6 January, appeared to echo talking points made by the likes of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that opposes feminism and believes men are under attack from liberal elites.

“Can we be surprised that after years of being told that they are the problem, that their manhood is the problem, more and more men are withdrawing into the enclave of idleness and pornography and video games?” Hawley said.

Hawley did not cite sources for his belief that men were watching pornography more frequently. Nonetheless, on Monday his speech was republished by the Federalist, a rightwing outlet.

Hawley is the son of a banker and attended private school before studying at Stanford and Yale(!) Given his background, he has repeatedly raised eyebrows for railing against elites and claiming to speak for all men. (Reuters)

My comment: In the spirit of Epicurus let me tell Mr. Hawley what is really happening. Those of us with humane feelings believe that gender is irrelevant when it comes to how you treat others. The same goes for race and nationality of birth. Everyone should get an education that brings forth and hones their capabilities, without fear or favour. Everyone should be treated with consideration and given a chance to prove themselves and to earn equal incomes, if they are capable.

To some of the toxic males I fear that a woman has but one role, and that people of color are just there to serve their rightful masters. To these people I say, grow up. It’s 2021. We are not going backwards!