I went to university with a lot of Americans, and even the most benign, downbeat boozer filled with scots alkies, and harmless locals was an overwhelming, vaguely threatening experience for them that led to some very strange behaviour, a sort of hastily assembled defensive code of honour that just came across as stilted and borderline autistic
Good article. Gym culture is especially absurd, a video-gamified simulacrum of genuine masculine achievement. Just lift bro, level up your deadlift. No wonder you continually get guys on twitter not comprehending that women aren't as into the jacked shredded look as they are. And indeed, no coincidence it's risen in tandem with the decline in physicality and risk in men's lives.
This grenade needed to be thrown.
I went to university with a lot of Americans, and even the most benign, downbeat boozer filled with scots alkies, and harmless locals was an overwhelming, vaguely threatening experience for them that led to some very strange behaviour, a sort of hastily assembled defensive code of honour that just came across as stilted and borderline autistic
Good article. Gym culture is especially absurd, a video-gamified simulacrum of genuine masculine achievement. Just lift bro, level up your deadlift. No wonder you continually get guys on twitter not comprehending that women aren't as into the jacked shredded look as they are. And indeed, no coincidence it's risen in tandem with the decline in physicality and risk in men's lives.
Eloquently put into words a feeling/vibe that's been with me for many years. A great and succinct piece of writing!