Life at the Top: The Return of the Alpha Male in Politics
A Take by Hendrik Wieduwilt
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Issue Instruction to the Machos:
America's political stage is once again the echo chamber of a men's club. Is the modern era the second chapter of the male domination era?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's week in the Oval Office has been the highlight of his career thus far. His decision to present President Donald Trump, who digs gold, with a golden trinket, coupled with his polished social skills, earned widespread approval.
Merz played along with Trump's friendly gestures, even enduring an impromptu pat, understanding that unwelcome touch in this context is an expression of longing for attention. Merz delivered his responses in strong English, earning appreciation.
The Trump-Merz Bromance: A Perfect Match
The encounter between the two leaders went off without a hitch. Considering the possible ramifications of an untoward display of male dominance, Merz held his ground commendably.
Some of the compliments that followed, however, were a tad rough, with Trump later referring to Merz as "difficult." Merz certainly wouldn't want to be seen as simplistic, as society expects men to be strong and complex. As The Doctors band once crooned, "You've got to be a pig in this world."
The camaraderie between the two men appeared fitting for the setting, with only male aides visible in the background, apart from Trump's chief of staff. This seems to reflect the current zeitgeist, with young men once again embracing the ideals of pickup artists and bodybuilders, often accompanied by advice on cryptocurrency investments. When Merz's social media team shared photos from the meeting on Instagram, they emphasized the grand arrival in a sleek black limo at the White House overlaid with pulsating hip-hop beats. If you can, you do.
Navidi Navidi: Trump Wrapped in 'Attempted Genocide' Debacle
One may view this as a step backward, but since gender parity has led to some dead ends, it's worth noting that we've reached this point. For example, we can recall Christine Lambrecht, who was appointed Federal Defense Minister primarily for reasons of gender quotas, who inadvertently eroded the reputation of the Bendler Block with a bizarre New Year's video reminiscent of a bomb explosion.
Lambrecht's successor, Boris Pistorius, has since appointed Jens Plötner as a state secretary, a move that has caused quite a stir. Plötner is known as a dove in the matter of Ukraine support. However, it's worth noting that, as a man, Plötner now heads an entirely male-led Federal Ministry of Defense.
Tough Guys and Decision Making
While one can appreciate it, machismo has the potential to tip over into insensitivity, with macho decision-makers making, well, macho decisions. Trump has likened the conflict in Ukraine to a wrestling match between children, with the implication being that sometimes children should be allowed to duke it out. It's a disconcerting image and a quintessentially masculine one: here, the desire for conflict and competition is as evident as ever.
The Return of the Patriarchy in Politics?
Have gender equality movements reached a plateau? Is the trend moving away from years of increased women's political representation in leadership roles? Is the spectacle in the Oval Office, along with personnel policies in ministries and advisory committees, just a call for young women to step into the political limelight?
No Lectures, No Apologies: Merz on Fox News
As the comments section is already buzzing with questions, it's important to acknowledge the broader societal issues at play, such as seasonal allergies, unanswered emails from tax advisors, and disappointing weather forecasts for Pentecost. Yet, the testosterone-fueled politicking on the global stage is cause for concern, especially considering the fragility of male friendships in the face of heated rivalries.
This is evident in the White House as the battle between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has escalated into an intense feud, sparking debates about who will be the first to vent their frustrations. Rationality seems to have taken a back seat, with Musk even considering canceling a space program in a fit of anger. The hope is that the bond between Trump and Merz remains unbroken.
It's still a Man's World
"It's a man's world," sang James Brown in a song written by a woman. Men are still seen as builders, creators, and consumers, even if the world, as the refrain goes, is "nothing" without a woman or a girl.
Further Reading
- Krook, M. de (2019). "Gender Equality and Political Representation." Annual Review of Political Science, 22, 269–290.
- Sperling, M., & Subrahmanian, S. (2020). "Women’s human rights and global governance: Advancing the normative agenda through practical politics." International Affairs, 96(4), 813–829.
- Silbert, S., & Irina Volnea (2018). "The Impact of Gender Quotas on Female Political Representation in Multi-Level Systems." West European Politics, 41(1), 138–159.
- Reilly, B., et al. (2019). How Can Gender Equality Be Embedded in Decision Making: The Role of Leaders and Gender Balance. Harvard Kennedy School.
- Gijselaers, W. (2018). "Cognitive biases and the use of gender quotas: An evidence-based evaluation in preferential voting systems." Journal of European Public Policy, 25(6), 884–902.
Elon Musk might want to listen to the end of the song. It ends as dark as a ketamine trip:
"He's lost in the world of men, lost in bitterness."
He is lost in the world of men, lost in bitterness.
So, men: step it up. If you can't behave like grown-ups, we'll send women next time.
We're going to be in the same room, discussing the current trend of male dominance in politics and leadership, as we see in the encounter between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump, whose friendship seems to reflect the current zeitgeist. This shared camaraderie, often portrayed as a macho display, is accompanied by advice on business and finance, such as cryptocurrency investments, and influences decision-making in various sectors, including politics and international relations.
The return of the Alpha male in politics, as typified by these leaders, raises questions about the progress of gender equality and the role of women in leadership, particularly in light of recent controversial decisions made by men in power, like Trump's analogy of the Ukraine conflict to a wrestling match between children. It's worth considering whether the gender equality movements have reached a plateau and if the spectacle in the Oval Office serves as a call for young women to step into the political limelight.
These issues lead us to question whether we've still reached a point where "it's a man's world," and if that perspective needs to evolve, as exemplified by the lyrics of James Brown's song, sung by a woman, which carries a dark portrayal of men lost in bitterness. Men must step up and lead with maturity to ensure a more balanced and equitable future for all, whether in business, politics, or any other realm of life.
