Introductions.

Before I start writing this blog, I thought it appropriate to tell you all why I feel the need to write. First though, let me introduce myself…

Nice to meet you.

It is customary to begin introductions with names but, like the majority of the internet, I am hoping to remain anonymous. This is largely due to my desire to discuss sensitive issues, and still retain my job.

My hope in the future is that I will be able to build a relationship with my readers, for now however, I will just go by “Writer”.

I am in my mid-twenties. I work in a reasonably well-paid, full-time job that sees me travel abroad regularly – working with diverse teams in high-pressure environments. I like to think of myself and independent and open-minded , and I would hope that those who know me best would agree. Despite this, I cannot remember ever feeling more confused than I am right now.

Confusion?

Over the last few years I have watched as the world has strived towards social acceptance in all realms of society. Female empowerment, sexual liberty, trans-right – these are the topics that are currently shaping the identity of the Western world. I accept that these issues are all hugely important, but I feel that they are developing faster than I can keep up. Just as I begin to understand one argument, it becomes outdated and suddenly I am facing backlash for holding bigoted views that I wasn’t even aware of. If navigating the minefield of political, and social issues isn’t stressful enough, I have to work through the normal challenges of being in my mid-twenties.

How do I find a “work-life” balance when the worth of my character is judged by my financial and material successes?

How do I build meaningful relationships whilst remaining independent?

How do I develop the worth of my character when I am not even sure who I want to become?

As a man I am expected to be strong, but gentle. Stoic yet emotional. Intelligent but not condescending. How can I be all of these things?

I won’t delve too deep into the complexities of being a “modern man”, as that is a topic that I am sure I will dedicate many other posts to, but the last few months have helped me realise that I am not alone with in my confusion. These questions have been debated by philosopher’s for generations, but I think the answers are needed more than ever before.

Making sense of it all.

Through this blog I am hoping to unpack some of my own, and hopefully some others’, confusion through critical analysis. This will become a place that is open to constructive discourse – something I feel the world sadly lacks. The topics I wish to discuss, and the opinions I will voice, may be divisive but these are the issues that I feel need to be addressed. Please remember, nothing I say is intended to be offensive or harmful.

The pursuit of truth will require uncomfortable interrogation of sensitive issues, and this leaves space for people to be offended. I actively encourage people to challenge the ideas I post, and hopefully we can all help educate each other. I look forward to writing for you, and I hope you find value in what I say.

Time to start unpacking….