NGM Thoughts 15: Us and Them

I had a conversation the other day with a journalist about some of the other men’s groups and thinkers on men and masculinity out there. It has me thinking about the commonalities and the differences between ‘us and them.’

Those that are concerned with men graduating at reduced rates, perpetrating most violence and representing the majority of the incarcerated, experiencing homelessness and addictions at alarming rates, a high suicide rate, and all the myriad ways men may feel a little lost or disenfranchised today.

The commonality being that we are concerned with the health and wellbeing of men today.

The difference for us is that we have a very different perception of how we got to where we are today than them.

Next Gen Men is really excited about feminism and the role that it has played in creating a discussion about women’s identities and roles in society.

But we ask, how can men achieve their full potential without limiting the full potential of others? For us, we’re excited to be in a time where that missing parallel conversation about men’s identities and roles in society is percolating and coming to the forefront. I suppose this is the discussion—and we’re happy to be a part of it!


Written by Next Gen Men Co-Founder Jake Stika as part of a personal challenge to share some of our reflections around what it means to be a better man in today’s day and age. Join us every Friday for NGM Thoughts.