Matt Ok. Lewis’ piece, “The left should stop harping on men. That drives them to Trump” (Aug. 5, Opinion) reads like a remedy session for fragile egos. His argument boils right down to this: If progressives don’t flatter males sufficient, they’ll throw a tantrum and vote for President Donald Trump. Actually?
Let’s be clear — criticism of poisonous masculinity isn’t an assault on males. It’s a problem to develop up. If somebody hears “be accountable, be empathetic, be higher” and takes that as a private insult, perhaps the issue isn’t the message — it’s the mirror.
Lewis romanticizes the thought of males retreating into gymnasium tradition and rage podcasts, then rising as political revolutionaries. That’s not revolt — it’s cosplay. Voting for Trump since you really feel culturally slighted isn’t edgy, it’s lazy. It’s the political equal of rage quitting a online game since you misplaced a spherical.
If Democrats have a messaging downside, nice — repair it. However let’s not faux that coddling male insecurity is a method. Males deserve respect, sure — however respect is earned, not handed out like participation trophies. If you wish to be taken severely, act prefer it.
Michael Mulligan, Des Moines
