Introduction

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The first thing I need to express about The Masculinity Manifesto: How a Man Establishes Influence, Credibility and Authority is my awareness that I am not its intended audience. Critiquing this book feels akin to someone who dislikes sweets disparaging a new Haribo treat. As someone with a complex relationship with the self-help genre, and who is not a man, my perspective is unique.

Interestingly, I found much of the book quite enjoyable. Let’s delve into what resonated with me, what didn’t, and my overall reflections.

What Resonated

While none of the advice was groundbreaking for me, it was still valuable. I consume a lot of psychology and self-help literature, so much of the content felt familiar. It wasn’t as simplistic as “clean your room,” but it was close. Despite its familiarity, the guidance was solid.

Michler effectively outlines strategies that many could benefit from. His core messages are strong: embrace servant leadership, engage in significant endeavors, and avoid the trap of isolation.

Moreover, Michler (or his ghostwriter) demonstrates exceptional writing skills. The prose is engaging, clear, and easy to follow. Although there was some repetition and a few questionable organizational choices, it didn't detract significantly from the reading experience. His storytelling ability enhances his points, making for a swift and enjoyable read.

What I Found Problematic

However, Michler tends to inject unnecessary and provocative cultural commentary into his otherwise constructive advice. For instance, he claims that body positivity equates to accepting a lesser version of oneself, which is not only misguided but also carries fatphobic undertones. It's important to recognize that being heavier is not inherently worse than being thinner. Ideally, anyone offering life advice should understand that health is what most people desire, independent of body weight. Healthy habits can be adopted at any size, and while there is a correlation between weight and health, they are not synonymous.

The notion that body positivity discourages healthy choices is fundamentally flawed. The statements “Society shouldn’t stigmatize individuals for their size” and “You should indulge in unhealthy eating habits” are not the same. Yes, extreme advocates may exist, but unless Michler is prepared to claim that Richard Spencer embodies all conservatism, he should refrain from conflating fringe elements with the wider movement.

Additionally, he attributes societal unrest to the Black Lives Matter movement while neglecting to acknowledge the systemic issues at play, such as police violence, which results in over a thousand deaths annually without accountability.

He also attributes a spike in crime to the “defund the police” initiative, ignoring the reality that many police departments have seen budget increases in recent years, and that police often prioritize revenue-generating activities over effective crime response.

Michler misinterprets “toxic masculinity” as a blanket indictment against masculinity itself. This misunderstanding is counterproductive; the term actually refers to specific harmful behaviors associated with certain masculine traits, not masculinity as a whole. The American Psychological Association’s guidelines do not label masculinity as inherently toxic; rather, they acknowledge the diversity within masculinities.

These divisive asides distract from the valuable insights he provides.

Mixed Feelings

While reflecting on the beneficial advice in the book, I questioned the need to gender this guidance. My desire for influence, credibility, and authority isn’t limited by my gender. Perhaps the primary purpose of tailoring the advice for men is to encourage them to engage with the material, given that societal norms penalize men more harshly for deviating from traditional roles. Seeking help is often seen as a feminine trait, and reading a self-help book can feel akin to admitting vulnerability.

I also pondered the left-wing equivalent of this type of advice. Broadly speaking, the left excels at recognizing structural obstacles to success but often struggles to inspire individuals to take proactive steps toward improvement. Conversely, the right tends to overlook systemic barriers while motivating personal effort.

Ultimately, which scenario might yield greater societal benefit? A. Five million individuals absorb a self-help book’s advice from a veteran. B. A state governor streamlines occupational licensing based on a thoughtful analysis. It’s a fascinating question, and I hope people pursue both avenues, ideally with fewer divisive cultural comments.

My hunch is that while many readers may not see tangible improvements in their lives, even a handful who invest in relationships, embrace vulnerability, prioritize health, and engage in meaningful work could benefit from Michler’s insights.

In conclusion, those are some reflections on this book. What should I explore next? I attempted to read 12 Rules for Life but found it difficult to engage with.

Exploring Further

In the video CITY LIGHTS LIVE! McKenzie Wark with Anne Lesley Selcer, the discussion delves into contemporary masculinity and its implications, offering additional context to the themes explored in the book.

In We should all be feminists | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | TEDxEuston, Adichie articulates the need for equitable understanding of gender roles, complementing the discussions on masculinity and societal expectations.