The Male Psyche under Patriarchy
The
modern world is grappling with a profound crisis of power; a crisis rooted in
the entitled male psyche solidified by centuries of patriarchy. This
entitlement, a conviction of inherent and unquestionable authority to command
and procure, functions as a psychological blueprint most visible at the apex of
power, often embodied by figures referred to as "men in suits."
This dynamic has not only enabled the toxic behavior of prominent individuals
but has also shaped a system that legitimises profoundly abusive deeds (Epstein Island) and bad political decisions (Cancellation of SNAP benefits).
The
Architecture of Entitlement
Patriarchy
elevates men (and historically places (old) white men at its apex) to positions of
inherent authority. This structure subtly infuses the male psyche with the
belief that they possess an unquestionable right to dominate ("Top Dog"), which is the
essence of entitlement.
Entitlement
demands rather than requests, and it operates without apology. It produces a
psychological state where self-reflection and accountability are suppressed in
favour of control and dominance. These men in power are conditioned to believe they are
exempt from social scrutiny, granting them a license for unchecked power. When
embodied by public figures who refuse accountability,
the result is a profound failure of justice.
This
deep-seated entitlement fosters expectation rather than cooperation
or collaboration. Social structures place these men in command, reinforcing the
belief that others exist to serve their interests. In the corporate world, this
manifests in a relentless culture where individual needs are secondary to the
entitled leader's vision (Insert Billionaire of choice here).
Despite
the external posture of confidence and dominance, the foundation of this psyche
is fragile. The requirement to perform strength at all times prevents the
development of emotional maturity, vulnerability, and interdependence.
Ironically, the men who wield the most power often lack the psychological
grounding needed for "real" leadership.
Behavioral
Consequences in Broader Society
When
a significant portion of the population operates from entitlement, the
consequences saturate culture and public life. The arrogance and lack of
accountability demonstrated by high-profile figures become a mirror for
society. The cancellation of
SNAP benefits and the seven-year delay in releasing the Epstein files are cases
in point.
Society
and the Call to Action
What
does a society built on this foundation look like? It looks like the world we
inhabit: hierarchical, inequitable, and structured to sustain the power of
those already elevated.
This system appears immovable, yet it carries a fatal flaw: power built on entitlement is brittle. Clinging to the old rules is not working. Dismantling this stranglehold will require collective bravery, courage, and empathy to break the cycle of entitlement and reimagine power differently. The world is shifting; we must evolve with it (Cue Zohran) or be crushed under the crown too many refuse to relinquish .
Time to step up👊
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