When engaging with Gen Z men, the right seems to echo some sentiments typically associated with the left. It paints a picture where progress feels impossible, and the narrative suggests that everyone’s against you. Essentially, the true victim here is the individual.
During a recent event, podcaster Ben Shapiro expressed similar thoughts. He criticized conservatives for fostering a “nihilistic” outlook among young folks without equipping them with the necessary “hard stories” that could help them navigate their lives.
“I think the right is actually feeding into a sense of victimhood for young men. It’s a weird kind of feminization,” Shapiro mentioned at the Jewish Leadership Conference. He continued, suggesting that young males today are facing issues that, in his view, are exaggerated. He encouraged them to engage with older generations for perspective.
Current discussions suggest that young conservative men struggle even with basic tasks—like hanging up their phones—let alone securing relationships or employment. While these challenges are real, politicians who frame life solely as a relentless uphill battle can be quite damaging.
This mentality mirrors accusations conservatives have recently leveled against the left. Where, one might ask, is the ideology that encourages individuals to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps”?
At an event in New York City on November 16, Shapiro acknowledged that today’s youth have been misled by a “lying political class.” Still, he expressed concern that this leads to a loss of personal agency.
“Perhaps this is just how politics works,” he observed, indicating that politicians often promote narratives that hinge on power. Yet, he argued that when young men internalize these messages, it can lead to frustration and a lack of direction for that anger.
It seems young conservatives are inundated with reasons why they can’t succeed. Constantly bombarded by messages from politicians and influencers creates a fatalistic outlook, making their struggles feel monumental.
Yes, the issue of free speech on campuses is pressing, especially for conservative voices, yet individuals are still capable of advocating for themselves. There’s potential for resilience, even amid the chaos of identity politics and DEI initiatives. Yes, illegal immigration poses challenges, but the notion of a grand conspiracy to undermine young men is unfounded.
While there’s valid concern about how toxic masculinity is addressed in society, this doesn’t prevent young men from seeking positive expressions of their masculinity. Yes, feminism can sometimes overreach, yet it doesn’t mean that all women’s relationships are doomed to fail. Sure, smartphones can be distracting, but it’s also within one’s power to disconnect.
True, economic uncertainty looms, but there is ample time ahead to carve out a meaningful future.
Unfortunately, the right appears to be cultivating a belief among young conservatives that they lack control over external circumstances. This approach seems drawn from the left’s toolkit, and even Donald Trump has shown a tendency to favor narratives centered on victimhood.
Historically, the conservative movement championed agency and self-reliance. In his 1967 inaugural address, Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of independence and dignity.
Regrettably, the current landscape plays into the desires of influencers like Nick Fuentes, who undermine young people’s independence by claiming that older generations have failed them, while also attempting to exploit their frustrations.
“The older generation completely betrayed the young people,” Fuentes claimed in a recent statement. His rhetoric serves mainly to stir division and resentment rather than promoting meaningful discourse.
It remains uncertain how Fuentes is advocating for substantial change, appearing instead to feed off anger and bitterness regarding his own circumstances. J.D. Vance cautioned against such victim ideologies in his memoir, *Hillbilly Elegy*.
He pointed out that the rising sentiment on the right suggests: “It’s not your fault you’re struggling; it’s the government’s fault.” This kind of messaging, while potentially mobilizing voters, risks fostering a generation that lacks independence and initiative, leading to societal stagnation.
Shapiro proposes a shift in approach, encouraging the right to adopt a more proactive language. “You guys should actually sit down and go out and do something useful,” he advised. And perhaps he’s right.
