Similar to the deadly KKK, we see groups of similarly dressed men in society gathering in hateful, harmful ways. Why?
As we consider the mass murders, most of the killers are men. More men commit suicide too.
Why do so many men hate, and why do they spread their hate in ways that harm themselves and others? What's going on?
Toughness
In many corners of our culture, young boys are taught to be tough. They are too often denied expression of their emotions, love, and care. This toughness denies men the opportunity to become whole people--people who are able to feel and express all their emotions and devote themselves to helpful, loving activity.
Inadequate service
Too often young boys don't get what they need to thrive. They are often treated in tough ways with insufficient supports in schools. Too often their often big-energy is met with too much constraint and too many rules rather than environments that provide positive avenues for that great energy. Also, boys who struggle with learning goals often don't get the kind of teaching they need to thrive.
Tough dads and other men
Young boys often have male models that are tough, hurtful, and inappropriate. This perpetuates hate and hurtful behaviors.
Prejudice
Old time myths and bigotry often don't allow young men to be the good people they can be.
Sexuality
Young men don't receive enough good education about sexuality, the kind of education that allows them to experience their sexuality in positive, life enriching ways.
Advocacy
Young men need to learn how to advocate and make change in peaceful, proactive ways, not ways that harm and hurt others.
Purposeful living
From an early age, young men need to consider many purposeful ways to live their lives, ways that match their personalities, dreams, interests, and potential. Perhaps, men who hate, have not had the chance to consider the many ways to life positively.
One way to put an end to men who hate is to treat young men with greater and better love, care, education, and service. Old time tough love mantras and actions only serve to perpetuate the hate. Instead we need to allow young men to be the whole people that they are, people who have a wide range of interests, emotions, and the ability to care and love others with depth and positivity.