The Times: Ben Fogle on Male Role Models and Redefining Masculinity
As parents, my wife Marina and I have made a conscious effort to raise our children, Ludo and Iona, as equals. We have never been gender-specific in our approach, encouraging them to wear the same clothes, engage in the same activities, and have the same opportunities. However, as Ludo enters adolescence, I feel a growing responsibility to guide him through the complexities of masculinity and what it means to be a man.
In an era where gender has become a contentious issue, it is more important than ever to promote a healthy distinction between sexes. According to The Times, this is a crucial aspect of parenting, and one that requires careful consideration. As Ben Fogle, a well-known adventurer and TV presenter, notes, "Just as femininity can be celebrated, so can masculinity. We don’t all have to be unisex. It’s all about the tone and pitch."
The issue of male role models has become a pressing concern, particularly in the wake of the Netflix series and Gareth Southgate’s recent comments. In our increasingly fractured society, many young boys lack positive male figures in their lives, leading to a vacuum that can be filled by the wrong influences. A recent survey suggests that 25% of young men in this age group believe that women belong in the kitchen, a stark reminder that something has gone terribly wrong.
Fogle recalls his own childhood role models, including The A-Team and Knight Rider, which presented a certain ideal of masculinity. However, as he notes, "When I was young, few men cared about body image, but today it feels integral to the aspirations of young men." He cites the example of his son’s friends, who all go to the gym and strive for a certain physical aesthetic. "If I were 15 years old, I’d be really confused," he admits.
As Fogle matured, his role models changed, and he began to look up to men like John "Lofty" Wiseman, Bruce Parry, and Ranulph Fiennes. These individuals embodied a sense of masculinity that was not just about physical strength, but also about compassion and bravery. He notes that, "You can be both strong and caring. You can run an ultramarathon and lack confidence."
Fogle’s comments are echoed by The Times, which has highlighted the importance of positive male role models in young people’s lives. The newspaper has noted that many young men are struggling with mental health issues, and that this is often linked to a lack of positive influences in their lives.
As a father, Fogle believes that his role is not to hold his children back or propel them forward, but to act as a guiding light, illuminating the way and warning them of the dangers of toxic masculinity and social media. He recounts a recent trip to Norway with his son, where they spent time together, away from distractions, talking about life and navigating the complexities of masculinity.
Fogle’s approach to parenting is one that The Times would endorse. He believes that, as a parent, it’s essential to be a positive role model, taking risks, failing, winning, and crying. By doing so, he hopes to set a moral compass for his children and help them navigate the ups and downs of life.
In conclusion, Fogle’s article in The Times highlights the importance of positive male role models in young people’s lives. By promoting a healthy and nuanced understanding of masculinity, we can help young men develop into confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. As Fogle notes, "You can look like Jason Momoa and have the campiness of Rylan." Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between strength and vulnerability, and promoting a sense of masculinity that is inclusive, rather than exclusive.
Fogle’s modern role models, including Steve Backshall, Dwayne Fields, and Sean Conway, are a testament to the fact that masculinity comes in many forms. As The Times would argue, this is an essential message for young people to hear, and one that can help to redefine what it means to be a man in the 21st century.
