Guilded Age Revisited

Over the years, I’ve written several blogs about the loss of and challenge to attain the ‘American Dream.’ Flipboard recently came out with an article from Politico entitled: ‘The Gilded Age is Back – and that should worry conservatives.’ I would add a subtitle: ‘And Suffragettes would be aghast…again.’

The gist of the article is that today’s administration in Washington bears striking resemblance to that of the Gilded Age of the late 19^th century when business and industry dominated American life as never before or since. It’s relevance to today’s social and political climate is striking in so many ways.

The debate between a conservative slant on life in America and a more liberal posture would take up volumes and still wouldn’t find an answer. It’s a deep fundamental divide that only the bravest among us is willing to venture over in hopes of finding a comprise there. It’s a deeply insightful and fascinating article to read if you want to get a handle on what the hell is happening in Washington today.

There was one paragraph in that excellent article that struck me as particularly disturbing. It brought to mind a conversation I had with a girl; name and face long since forgotten. We were in our teens and talking about dating. She explained to me that women (young girls like herself) wanted the man (I assume she was talking about me) to decide what to do and where to go on a date. I argued, in turn, that it should be a joint-decision or at least a choice made with the woman’s input included. NO, she was adamant, that was the role of the man.

One of the golden cufflinks of the Gilded Age was the subordination of women to their male counterparts. Reflecting back on that soda fountain salon, I found again the concept of women as second-class citizens frightening and absurd. Yet, here we are, seemingly going in that direction once again.

Now granted, after many miles traveled down this worn road called life, I can understand the mood, morals, and mindset of the times of my youth. It was the late Fifties and early Sixties. The Greatest Generation knew how their kids should act when socializing. It was understood that the ‘man’ was the head of the family, main provider, and overall task master. Surely, there was no question then who would decide where and what to do on a date.

I thought this whole concept of the man being the pride of the pack was misguided, foolish and just plain stupid. Fortunately, I was able to find and date women who had that willpower, know power and self-confidence to see themselves as equal and didn’t treat me as a eunuch in the process. All of which goes back that enlightening (frightening) paragraph in the article.

Quoting from the article: “The modern conservative movement’s fascination with hypermasculinity reflects a similar response to shifting gender norms, economic instability and perceived cultural decline. Vice President JD Vance’s musing about ‘childless cat ladies’ – he seems to share Musk’s obsession with natalism – are of a kind with Josh Hawley’s book, ‘Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs’, and even Tucker Carlson’s concerns about declining sperm counts. The intense interest in masculinity even shaped the presidential election: To many young men who heard him on his tour of the pro-podcast circuit, Trump himself represents a restoration of masculine authority.”

While perusing a box of books a friend gave me, I came across several pamphlets from Hillsdale College. OMG, what an insightful look into the philosophy of today’s current conservative thoughts and trends. It was like breaking the enigma code and being able to better understand the thinking behind so many of Washington’s current actions, steps, missteps, and ‘what the hell are they thinking?’ way of doing things.

While some of my friends will disagree with me, including my very astute wife, this tells me why so many folks chose to either not vote or to vote with their testosterone or lack thereof. It also goes back to my fascination with men who are afraid of women. The article seems to include in that threatening group: gays, lesbians, trans, minorities, immigrants, intellectuals, and anyone else who doesn’t fit their pre-conceived white notion of what makes for a ‘real man.’

Setting Marvel comic book characters aside, most folks I know don’t see caring and concern, humility, and humanity as signs of weakness. Many of our so-called leaders today would be wise to recognize that the size of one’s tire treads and other kahunas are not the sign of a real man.

But, hey, I’m just a writer. I see what I see and I write about it. That sometimes puts me in a category all of its own. Truth can be harsh sometimes but then you see the light.