The DäBU

Best of Season 1 - Part 3

April 21, 2021 Cedric Clark & Kojo Mensah-Bonsu Season 1 Episode 11
Best of Season 1 - Part 3
The DäBU
More Info
The DäBU
Best of Season 1 - Part 3
Apr 21, 2021 Season 1 Episode 11
Cedric Clark & Kojo Mensah-Bonsu

For this episode, we spend some time looking back at the highlights of our two-part series on masculinity and how we can begin to redefine it in more healthy ways for everyone. As you may remember from these two popular episodes, we used the striking example of Mike Tyson and his unique public persona to explore the conversation that has been evolving on masculinity and in particular the dangers of toxic masculinity. One of Mike's biggest messages is around his fear of vulnerability and this is an area we pay particular attention to.

We start off remembering DMX, one of the most iconic and successful rappers to ever do it, whose recent passing at the age of 50 sent shockwaves around the world of hip hop and beyond. Perhaps it is fitting that we use this as an entry-point into today's topic, as DMX, birth name Earl Simmons, was one of the more complex examples of a modern man, with many difficulties and contradictions all centering around his messages of strength and hope. In the meat of today's discussion, we examine masculinity from many angles, drawing on biblical comparisons, contemporary ideas, and literary depictions to try and unpack what it means to be a man today, and more importantly, a good one.

Towards the end of this show, we draw some interesting links between masculinity, patriarchy, white supremacy, and how this all ties back into fear and vulnerability. The central tenet of today's episode is around the essential part that vulnerability plays in a good form of masculinity and how important it is for us as a society to begin to shift the conversation in this direction. For all this and a whole lot more hard-hitting conversation and honest sharing, join us today!

Show Notes

For this episode, we spend some time looking back at the highlights of our two-part series on masculinity and how we can begin to redefine it in more healthy ways for everyone. As you may remember from these two popular episodes, we used the striking example of Mike Tyson and his unique public persona to explore the conversation that has been evolving on masculinity and in particular the dangers of toxic masculinity. One of Mike's biggest messages is around his fear of vulnerability and this is an area we pay particular attention to.

We start off remembering DMX, one of the most iconic and successful rappers to ever do it, whose recent passing at the age of 50 sent shockwaves around the world of hip hop and beyond. Perhaps it is fitting that we use this as an entry-point into today's topic, as DMX, birth name Earl Simmons, was one of the more complex examples of a modern man, with many difficulties and contradictions all centering around his messages of strength and hope. In the meat of today's discussion, we examine masculinity from many angles, drawing on biblical comparisons, contemporary ideas, and literary depictions to try and unpack what it means to be a man today, and more importantly, a good one.

Towards the end of this show, we draw some interesting links between masculinity, patriarchy, white supremacy, and how this all ties back into fear and vulnerability. The central tenet of today's episode is around the essential part that vulnerability plays in a good form of masculinity and how important it is for us as a society to begin to shift the conversation in this direction. For all this and a whole lot more hard-hitting conversation and honest sharing, join us today!