By Ken Sheetz
Since the utter defeat of Kamala thanks to a surprising vote by young men in the face of the harm they knew it will do to the women of this country I’ve been meditating on Trump again. Not the man but what he represents. Trump, and people behind him, have demonstrated once again and uncanny ability to exploit anger to generate votes. In this case an ancient anger between the sexes and man’s longstanding dominion over women. Trump’s campaign promise “I’m going to be dictator day one” has been labeled as fascism by concerned Democrats and media. But is that an accurate assessment and what exactly is fascism?
The term “fascism” was first coined by Benito Mussolini during World War I. It symbolized his ideology of unity and strength through brute force—a concept that reached its zenith with the 1922 March on Rome, where Mussolini’s Blackshirts coerced King Victor Emmanuel III into appointing him as Prime Minister. In that moment, the world regressed to a primitive philosophy best described as Might-Makes-Right-Males—the macho archetype that relies on physical dominance and aggression, often devoid of intellectual depth or moral integrity.
This ethos celebrates strength for strength’s sake, often manifesting in abusive behaviors, particularly toward women. Historically, Might-Makes-Right-Males have used their power not just to dominate nations but also to enforce submission in personal and societal relationships. The macho mentality thrives on control, fostering a world where abuse and suppression of women are seen as acceptable methods of asserting dominance.
Take Mussolini, for example. His regime not only glorified militaristic masculinity but also institutionalized the macho subjugation of women, reducing them to tools of the state for procreation and household labor. This systematic abuse of women was a natural extension of Might-Makes-Right-Males’ dangerous worldview: if physical strength and cruelty justify rule, they also justify any form of oppression, including violence against women.
While this Trump doesn’t perfectly fit the Mussolini mold —when corned by Jake Tapper Kamala Harris broke precedent and called him a fascist on CNN in the debate that wasn’t. Even though he lacks the physicality or ideological discipline—Trump embodies the toxic macho archetype in his personal conduct and policies. His history of demeaning women, both publicly and privately, reveals the deeply rooted dangers of Might-Makes-Right-Males. We could say Trump is the modern echo of this toxic masculine Mussolini mentality with his choice fellow sexual abusers for his shock and awe cabinet choices.
Consider his infamous 2016 “Grab ’em by the pussy” the media helped him minimize to”locker room talk” and pattern of mocking or belittling women who stand up to him. His recent threats,drunk on the power of his win, like telling Canada’s Prime Minister he could make Canada the 51st state, expose a hollow version of macho posturing—a flimsy attempt to project power. Trump is not a leader of strength; he’s a man whose bluster conceals deep insecurity, shaped by his abusive domineering father Fred Trump who taught him by painful example that cruelty is strength. Trump completed his macho man training in breaking the will of his minions under the pernicious Roy Cohen.
The macho mindset, when left unchecked, doesn’t just harm women—it destabilizes society. By enforcing submission through fear and abuse, Might-Makes-Right-Males create a culture of silence and suffering, stripping away the empathy and collaboration needed for communities to thrive. This is why the anger Trump tapped into and infected the minds of so many young men, even Latinos essentially voting for deported of their kin, is so dangerous. Trump’s dominance exhibited in the nefarious Project 2025 relies on the suppression of “the other”, especially women, whose potential is vital to a balanced and just world.
But history offers hope. Societies led by Might-Makes-Right-Males have often crumbled under their own brutality. From the collapse of fascist regimes to the growing rejection of toxic macho ideals, humanity has shown its capacity to evolve beyond these harmful archetypes.
Today, women and forward-thinking men are leading the charge against this outdated worldview. They are proving that true strength lies not in domination, but in understanding; not in silencing others, but in empowering them. The qualities of a true gentleman—empathy, respect, and wisdom—are the antidote to the macho, Might-Makes-Right mentality that has caused so much harm.
It’s time to abandon the macho fantasies of the past. The world doesn’t need more Mussolinis or Trumps—it needs leaders who recognize that power is not about abuse, but about service. A society built on mutual respect and equality is one where everyone, not just the strong, can thrive.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE TOXIC MASCULINITY
Toxic masculinity and Might-Makes-Right-Males aren’t just philosophical challenges—they’re deeply rooted behaviors that manifest in homes, schools, workplaces, and governments. To tackle them effectively, we need solutions that channel energy constructively, address root causes, and create cultural shifts. Here’s a game plan I created with some help from ChatGPT:
1. Harness Testosterone Through Sportsmanship
Look all the way back to the Greeks and the ancient Olympics where men competed in sport versus battle. Testosterone isn’t the problem; it’s how we channel it. Sports can be a powerful tool to teach teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect. Instead of glorifying “winning at all costs,” we must prioritize good sportsmanship.
Coaches as Role Models: Train coaches to emphasize respect and collaboration over raw aggression. Teach players to value fair play and uplift teammates and opponents alike.
Recognize Gentle Strength: Create awards for players who demonstrate empathy on the field—helping an injured opponent, staying calm under pressure, or mediating conflicts.
Mixed-Gender Sports: Encourage boys to play on mixed-gender teams early on, fostering respect for women as equal competitors and collaborators.
2. Turn “Macho” into Mentorship
Macho doesn’t have to mean toxic. Channel that energy into mentorship programs where older men guide younger generations toward constructive goals.
Big Brother Programs: Pair boys with male role models who demonstrate positive masculinity—men who build, nurture, and lead without dominating.
– **Fatherhood Academies**: Offer community classes on parenting to help dads teach their sons that strength includes vulnerability and kindness.
3. Teach Emotional Agility in Schools
Boys are often taught to suppress emotions other than anger, creating a powder keg of frustration. Let’s rewire that.
Gym Class with a Twist: Combine physical activities with lessons on emotional intelligence. For instance, after a game, have students reflect on how competition made them feel—pride, frustration, joy—and discuss healthy ways to process those emotions.
Conflict Resolution Training: Teach boys practical techniques for de-escalating conflicts, such as active listening and finding common ground.
4. Challenge the Alpha Myth in Pop Culture
Media often glorifies the alpha male as the loudest, toughest, most domineering figure in the room. Let’s flip the script.
Highlight Quiet Heroes: Celebrate movies, TV shows, and books featuring men who lead with wisdom, empathy, and innovation. Think Atticus Finch, not Rambo.
Gamify the Good Guy: Create video games where collaboration and compassion—not brute force—lead to victory. Imagine a game where saving the world requires teamwork and diplomacy.
5. Celebrate Strength in Service
True power is lifting others up, not pushing them down. Let’s make that our cultural narrative.
Volunteer Challenges: Organize community events where men compete to make the biggest positive impact—building homes, mentoring youth, cleaning neighborhoods.
National Gentleman Awards: Establish annual awards honoring men who’ve demonstrated exceptional kindness, generosity, or bravery in service to their communities.
6. Rethink the Role of Testosterone in Business
Workplaces can be breeding grounds for Might-Makes-Right attitudes. Shift the culture to reward emotional intelligence and collaboration.
Testosterone-Positive Training: Instead of suppressing competitive energy, channel it into creative problem-solving exercises where teamwork, not individual dominance, leads to success.
Leadership Redefined: Showcase stories of successful leaders who succeeded by fostering inclusive, innovative environments.
7. Empower Women as Equals
Might-Makes-Right-Males thrive when women are marginalized. By leveling the playing field, we challenge their dominance.
Teach Boys to Respect Women: Early education should include lessons on consent, equality, and the value of women’s perspectives.
Normalize Female Leaders: Promote women in leadership roles across industries, showing young men that strength comes in many forms.
8. Reclaim Rituals of Manhood
Many cultures have rites of passage that help boys transition into responsible men. Modern societies often lack these guiding ceremonies.
Modern Rites of Passage: Create programs where boys take on challenges that emphasize character, not domination. For example, helping an elderly neighbor, mentoring a younger student, or organizing a team project.
Bonding Camps: Offer father-son or mentor-mentee camps focusing on shared activities like hiking, problem-solving, and storytelling to build a sense of mutual respect and responsibility.
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9. **Encourage Creative Outlets
Aggression is often misdirected energy. Let’s help boys and men channel it productively.
Art as Strength: Programs in music, dance, and visual arts can teach boys how to express emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
Competitive Creativity: Host events where participants compete in innovation challenges, showcasing strength through brainpower and imagination.
10. Stop Rewarding Troublemakers – Kyle Rittenhouse was murderer not a hero
Finally, we need to stop elevating Might-Makes-Right-Males in positions of power. Troublemakers who thrive on chaos—whether in politics, business, or media—must face accountability.
Media Responsibility: Boycott shows, hosts, and outlets that glorify aggression and cruelty.
Vote for Compassionate Leaders: Elect leaders who value service over swagger, empathy over ego.
By blending sportsmanship, mentorship, emotional agility, and creative outlets, we can rewrite the narrative for men and boys. The macho, Might-Makes-Right mentality doesn’t have to define the future. Instead, we can create a culture where strength is measured not by dominance, but by how much good one can do for others.
I could never have written this story without my wife and partner Elizabeth England lifting up the rug on the racist misogynist culture that dominates American culture. She and I will be doing a podcast based on this post soon.
And please visit our non-partisan page PolticalCoolDown where we are offering 10 free meditations to help put 2024 behind us seek to reunite for the greater good.
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