It will not surprise you, but I have a rather dim view of politics. Every year I find my opinion of politicians hits a new rock bottom, only to outdo itself shorty afterward by diving yet further still, to new unexplored lows, deeper into the quagmire of political incompetence and narcissism. I simply do not believe in politics any longer, or at least not in its ability to create meaningful and lasting change. This is especially true when it comes to boys and men, and the issues you read on this page, that usually provoke a level of political appetite best described as a ‘shit sandwich’. Men and boys advocacy is a political time bomb, that will end the career of whoever finds themselves holding it when the fuse runs out. It’s why politicians have failed men and boys so spectacularly, and for so long. Because it’s unpopular. And that’s really what politics is all about. Looking good. If an opinion doesn’t look good, or sound great, then don’t say it; because politics is about winning votes, not making change. Politics is largely self-serving. Usually won by whoever can beat their chest the hardest, yell the loudest, squeeze out the most crocodile tears, or wring their hands most convincingly. It’s why so many political “allies” advocate for women, support the creation and funding of various women’s departments, and badge themselves as feminists. Not necessarily because they care, but because women vote. Yes. Women outvote men in every election, and can single handedly decide who pulls the levers of power, in every political office in the country. Politicians are well aware of this. Yet women’s electoral power, the biggest voting bloc of its kind, is never discussed within the context of ‘power dynamics’. Why not? Why do so many politicians pander solely to women and girls, yet betray the other 50% of their constituents? Do politicians really care, or are they simply looking for votes? And who pays the price of this game of ‘politicks’? What do you think? ~ Voter turnout and Gender  Images by Getty, Gradienta, MyMind, Gemma Chua Tran and Elliot Stallion

2024-03-21