Try completing the following sentence:
When people feel entitled to power, ___________ happens.
I’m not sure what your list looks like, but here’s mine.
- When people feel entitled to power, domestic abuse happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, racism happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, war happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, environmental abuse happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, fraud happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, misogyny happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, wealth inequality happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, gun violence happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, election fraud happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, homophobia happens.
- When people feel entitled to power, corruption happens.
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The word “entitled” is important here. It’s possible to have been in a position of power and NOT have any of these things happen.
Some people like to be a boss in a company, and they know how to lead with kindness and compassion and intelligence. Some people use words to create powerful actions—investigative journalists, or artists who transcend and inform. Some people have powerful jobs in government and can do those jobs with empathy for all the people they serve.
We all know bosses and authors and leaders who are kind and helpful, who don’t abuse people, or commit fraud or create environmental abuse or resort to physical violence or perpetuate racist systems.
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The reason the conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century is so important is because, historically, white men have disproportionately been in positions of power. And therefore, some of them feel entitled to that power.
And when people feel entitled to power, bad things happen.
This topic, as well as many other topics critically important to men and masculinity, are discussed on our weekly call with the publisher. Join us on Fridays at 3 pm Eastern/12 pm Pacific.
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