Anthony B. Bradley has an interesting article on the hoodie worn by young men, entitled, “Hoodie Nation; The official uniform of the crisis of boys and men.” He notes the hoodie, “has become the all-purpose, all-season expression of conformist, homogeneous masculinity.” It has become a symbol of resignation. It’s like the uniform of boys and young men in hiding. It’s a signal that reads, ‘”Do Not Disturb.” It has become an easy way for young men to send a message when they pull it over their heads: “Leave me alone.” Wearing a hoodie says, “I Don’t want to be bothered.” The hoodie nation is, “telling the story of a nation of hurting boys and men.”
Bradley refers to Dr. Karen Horney, who describes “basic anxiety.” This is “a pervasive feeling of isolation and helplessness in a potentially hostile world.” Bradley theorizes many boys grow up in “the parental environment that creates the conditions for children to look at their futures being afraid of uncertainty and discomfort. Today, it’s nearly impossible to escape childhood without some level of fear about the future thanks to what children experience at home and on social media.” The result often is moving away from people (resignation or detachment).
Bradley believes “the crisis today for young men and boys is largely one of resignation. Boys and men are checking out, responding to basic anxiety by withdrawing from social interactions, emotional investment, and having demands placed upon them.” Resignation is really an act of resistance. The resigned man according to Horney, “is a composite of self-sufficiency, independence, self-contained serenity, freedom from desires and passions, stoicism, and the idealization of noncommitment.”
Bradley sees this crisis symbolized by “the fashion choice of pulling a hoodie over one’s head.” “The hoodie,” in Bradley’s view, “allows for easy detachment, self-sufficiency, apathy, isolation, and cynicism….” It’s a way of saying, “I just want to be left alone to do whatever I want, on my terms.” The hoodie is a symbol of being resigned from the expectations and demands others.
Bradley wonders when the crisis will end for boys and men. He ponders, “when boys and men are free to build genuine connections, develop emotional resilience and spiritual confidence, find meaning and purpose, feel needed and respected, and challenge the beliefs that underpin their resignation and detachment, we may see them moving away from checking out.”
There will be a shift when, “apathy ends, when striving for achievement and effort returns for its own sake and to serve others and when enthusiastic goal-setting and future planning take hold.” Then hoodies may fade. They could be replaced by attire that “encourages being seen, known, admired respected and sought after.” Bradley notes that engagement is the opposite of resignation. This is “where individuals actively participate in social interactions, pursue relationships, and invest emotionally, spiritually, and professionally.”
Here are some takeaways from this article. First, men need to beware of “basic anxiety” in men of all ages. Culture is not supportive in helping emotionally “wounded” men. Men need to find support groups for males. Secondly, we each need to evaluate our level of engagement, reaching beyond our own “silos of protection.” Thirdly, what is my equivalent of “the hoodie.” What do I do to protect myself in an unfriendly culture. And finally, this article cries out for older men to be available to younger men, with the pain and hurt they carry in their masculine souls.
Men, take Ecclesiastes 4:12 to heart. Don’t be a “lone ranger.” “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken”
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and we will be going to a soup supper at church and the service following.
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