How does the current political system affect our lives? An important Call for Submissions from The Good Men Project.
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We started The Good Men Project in 2009 to have an ongoing worldwide conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century. It happened when a writer and VC, Tom Matlack, asked a question he could not answer: what exactly is the role of a “man” and what makes him “good?” We didn’t realize that conversation would be so difficult—nor did we realize the tremendous influence we could have on our culture by opening up that conversation. The conversation about men is the conversation about everything, and is a conversation about co-creating the type of world we want to live in together.
2016 was a Presidential Election year in the United States. It was not just a historic moment for the US—but it has had a huge impact on countries all over the world.
We want and need your voice in this conversation. Tell us what you think about politics and how it creates social change—-for better or for worse. We want your voice no matter where you live in the world. The conversation is important everywhere.
Already have an idea of what you want to write about? Jump here to our submissions portal.
Not sure where to start? Below are some ideas.
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1.) What differences do you see in your everyday life since the last election?
2.) “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” Discuss this quote by George Jean Nathan
3.) How should we address today’s tough and divisive political issues, such as dealing with the effect of institutional racism and misogyny in our policies, the economic pain being disproportionately felt by many ‘old economy’ manufacturing workers, gun control, immigration policy, women’s reproductive rights, etc.
4.) John Oliver once said “If you want to do something evil, put it in something boring.” How do we keep our eye on the ball and motivate to take on the “boring” but crucial political issues like gerrymandering, voter registration laws, money in politics, tax loopholes, statutes of limitations on crimes, etc. especially in today’s era of sound byte, sex appeal journalism.
5.) Today, on so many of the social change trigger issues — gun control, abortion, education, disparate policing and police violence towards people of color, immigration — there seems to be an entrenched polarization between the sides that crushes any attempt at effective compromise or progress. Why is this, and how do we overcome it as a society?
6.) Some describe being “PC” simply as being nice and sensitive to legitimate concerns, while others describe PC culture as a scourge that is destroying our country. What is the future of this debate and how should we resolve the concerns on both sides?
7.) What do you think politicians should be talking about when it comes to boys and education? What is the change you would like to see?
8.) Are our politicians and voters still caught in the concept of the “the man box” when it comes to leadership? What are its implications?
9.) Some have described Trump and his administration as the living embodiment of “toxic masculinity” – complete with bullying, anti-intellectualism, and misogyny. And they have not gone away. If this is the case, what do we do about it?
10.) Some describe the times we are living in as a time of great change for white straight men, with the rise and cultural popularity of causes associated with feminism, LGBTQ issues, and combating racism. This era can have an ugly underside that clings to old values. What other possible reactions and evolutions are possible?
11.) Imagine an image of all of the past Presidents of the United States. All male, right? Now imagine, for a moment, the past Presidents were all women. Every single one of them, every tiny face was the image of a woman instead of a man. Would you think that was “normal”? If not, why does it seem normal to have them all be men? Discuss.
12.) Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has a ‘coolness factor’ as well as as a very overt policies on tolerance and equality. Why does his success seem so hard to replicate?
13.) “The measure of a man is what he has done with power.” Expand upon this as you look at politicians —from any country in the world.
14.) Le’s flip to the light. What is your vision for the future? No matter how hard it might be—no matter how impossible it might seem to make it happen—what is the world you want to live in? Be very specific.
15) What changes do you think would make society more open, inclusive and equal?
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Please note—these are thought-starters only! We are really looking for stories about the kind of change you want to see in the world, and how politics affects that change. Submit by clicking on the button below, and you’ll get easy access to our Submissions portal as well as guidelines and TOC.
SUBMIT HERE:
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Photo: Theresa Thompson/ flickr