Hey Everyone,
I've actually had this thread title and idea written down for quite a while, but some recent reading made it seem like this might be a good time to post it.
I've been a part of a few financial Discord chats for about 2 years now. Some gravitate towards younger communities, some towards slightly older, but they all have the same things in common -- they're smart, disciplined, hard-working, and very successful or on the road to success. But as to be expected, these chats are 99% (and then some) men.
So yes, the financial chatter is mixed with a lot of bro talk and even occasional polls about how women have done men wrong and are all sleeping around behind their backs. Many subscribe to the Men Going Their Own Way philosophy and talk about being or becoming Passport Bros (guys who go to cheaper countries to seek out beautiful young bedmates.) But this is to be expected, and I'm not there to interrupt their community. I mostly listen, and the rare times I do speak up, it's often to praise the guys who dare to say something about how much they love their wives.
Many of these men, especially the younger ones, talk about working out and trying to obtain what they believe are the manliest of male bodies that will attract all the chicks.
Like any group of people, these chats have leaders and extremists, along with (the guys I listen to and long to try to help,) the followers who haven't quite gotten there yet but are looking for a place to fit in.
Many members post their workout routines, the amounts of the weights they've conquered during their last lift, and the carnivorous rabbit diets (a steak and a side of lettuce) they're using to "cut" and define their bodies, along with protein powders and "supplements" (basically legal steroids.)
I have a profound interest in trying to encourage people to live in a healthy manner and find the healthy body dimensions that work for them. And I feel truly disturbed to read about the increasing number of men who are starving, punishing and destroying their own bodies in this quest for imagined perfection:
View attachment 275397
It makes me immensely sad.
To be honest, I'm kind of surprised because I grew up in the times of 80's and 90's action stars, while today's male stars at least have some semblance of still looking human:
View attachment 275398
But many of these young guys are convinced they can starve, injure, and "discipline" themselves into an 80's action hero.
* Do you know, or have you known any men who are harming themselves while trying to achieve a "perfection" no one else can achieve?
* Do you have a son or younger male relative, co-worker, church member who strives to look like this through unhealthy means?
* Have you ever known a man with an eating disorder?
* How do we approach these topics with sensitivity, and come across as wanting to help, rather than criticize?
* How can we encourage men into being healthy, and, just like women, that they don't have to reach unattainable, dangerous goals to try to be able to love and find someone who loves them?
As I said, I know very well that the chats I sit in on are secular -- but not everyone there is -- and I silently pray as I read along that maybe there is someone I can encourage and help. If we expect men to be leaders, we all know that both genders need to find a way to preserve and build up what God made them to be.
I would greatly appreciate any stories, experience, or advice others have to share! 💗Thank you.
3
