Six Links You Need this Weekend
Pro-athletes, pro-dads, and the uncomplicated minds of straight male friends.
You are reading The Mandate / Hot takes on topics that men don’t like to talk about / Written by LA-Based Writer, Cultural Strategist, and Olympic Medalist Jason Rogers
Happy Friday, I haven’t done an article round-up in quite a while, so I’ve got lots of spicy links to share. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
⛳️ After the N.B.A., J.R. Smith Was Lost. Golf Became His Guide. — I think we can all relate to feeling lost when one chapter of our life closes and another one begins. This feeling is especially acute for elite athletes. After years of being an “expert” at my sport (fencing), I had a tough time when I realized I was effectively starting when I got my first job. J.R. Smith embraced that same challenge by enrolling in college (he previously struggled with school and skipped playing NCAA to enter the N.B.A. draft) and walked on to the golf team, a sport known to make even the best players insane. I think there is so much growth to be had in becoming a beginner again. — N.Y. Times
🤠 Remaking Country’s Gender Politics, One Barroom Weeper at a Time — The Nashville songwriter Shane McAnally is one of the few openly gay men in country music. Although his songs appeal to conservative audiences, McAnally sees his ability to influence the culture from within as a political act. — N.Y. Times Magazine
❤️🩹 Straight Male Friend — S.N.L. has a special knack for roasting the emotional ineptitude of cis, hetero bros. (You may recall the “Man Park” sketch I’ve shared before). In this installment, comedian Bowen Yang shares the benefits of having an emotionally unavailable straight bud. — Saturday Night Live
🏆 Alpha Dads — This one’s been going around for a few weeks, but it’s pretty damn good. This I.G. sketch takes aim at the archetypal “alpha dad,” the father oozes hubris and the insatiable need to achieve. — Instagram
👟 Corey Bellemore’s struggle with an eating disorder — Corey Bellemore is one of few male professional athletes (let alone guys in general) speaking about eating disorders in men. Kudos to him for this brave work. He was also interviewed on the Shakeout Pod (Thanks to Kelly for sending this my way!) — Running Magazine
👨👦 Modern Dads Are Embarrassing. Which Just Might Be Good Politics. — Enjoyed this balanced piece by Phillip Maciak explaining how some male progressive leaders use fatherhood for political gain. On the one hand, it’s a little Machiavellian. On the other, it’s good to have highly visible out there embracing the cringe. — N.Y. Times Magazine