We consider it a victory at camp that being dominant and aggressive is no longer “cool” for boys.  But unlike girls, who have grown up with the permission to be vulnerable and the practice of talking about feelings with their friends, most boys haven’t had the same training. In the “progressive, post-manufacturing, knowledge-based economy” we inhabit, typically feminine traits are an asset while traditional masculinity is discouraged or even vilified. Women are now surpassing men in educational success and although they haven’t quite got there in power in the workplace or financial achievement, it seems this is the direction we are moving. So how can we teach young men the “feminine” traits they need to succeed in modern society (trust, communication, negotiation) without threatening their manliness? Hint: it is definitely not done my middle-aged women (or, by definition, moms).

The FULL ARTICLE about we can build a positive idea of masculinity by drawing upon positive male role models is definitely worth a read.