Reflecting on Masculinity, Resilience, and the Power of Positive Role Models in a World of Turmoil

As Movember begins, men embark on familiar traditions—growing moustaches, signing up for health challenges, and lacing up their running shoes to honour men’s health. These gestures deeply resonate; signaling solidarity and awareness. But this year, I feel compelled to delve beyond these outward symbols to explore a deeper inquiry: What does it truly mean to be a man in a world rife with turmoil? This question grows more profound as we grapple with a reality that feels marked more by crises than calm.

For so many men of my generation, our journey to understand masculinity has been accompanied by a distinct ache—a visceral awareness that something essential is slipping through our collective grasp. Modern masculinity carries an existential weight, heightened by personal and global crises alike. Yet, rather than succumbing to quiet hopelessness, we are called—this Movember especially—to reimagine masculinity, to forge a path that isn’t defined by fear but by resilience and hope. In these fraught times, the role of positive male role models becomes not merely relevant but essential, offering young men the guidance and grounding they desperately need. In a world that demands much from men, both physically and emotionally, many find themselves grappling with questions they never anticipated. What does strength look like when traditional roles evolve, and expectations collide? How do we cultivate resilience in a world that can feel increasingly unforgiving? How do we foster hope for ourselves and others, especially when the way forward seems obscured by mounting challenges? How do I make sense of this world, and my place in it?

Positive male role models are part of this answer, providing men with a vision of masculinity that transcends stereotypes. These role models embody resilience and emotional depth—showing that masculinity can be multifaceted, encompassing strength and empathy, assertiveness and humility. They remind us that masculinity is not a rigid construct but an evolving identity, shaped by choices, virtues, and values. The essence of a role model lies not in perfection but in authenticity; in their lives, young men witness the trials, vulnerabilities, and growth that come with a well-rounded manhood. The true impact of a role model lies in their willingness to share not only their triumphs but also their struggles. From a father who teaches resilience through the quiet example of his daily actions to a mentor who empowers his community’s youth, role models reveal that masculinity is as much about vulnerability as it is about strength. They embody the courage to stay grounded and compassionate, even when society demands stoicism. For boys and young men seeking to understand their place in the world, such examples offer a profound reminder: masculinity is not a monolith but a complex, evolving journey each man must shape for himself. Consider the community elder, the teacher, and the coach—each demonstrates that strength need not be loud or imposing. In their steadiness, they reveal the power of resilience, empathy, and quiet humility. They embody a kind of masculinity that resonates deeply but requires no grand gestures, and through their actions, they offer hope—a steadying hand in a turbulent world. They show us that masculinity can be both tenacious and tender, that resilience need not come at the expense of kindness, and that authentic strength is neither domineering nor flashy. In a world fraught with challenges, hope is an elusive yet indispensable force. Cultivating hope requires intentionality—it calls for role models who show us that resilience and compassion are not just ideals but practices, integrated into daily life. Hope becomes a legacy, built upon the enduring commitment to growth and integrity, transcending any singular moment or crisis.

In my life, I have been fortunate to encounter role models who have profoundly shaped my understanding of masculinity. From my grandfather, I learned the quiet strength that discipline and integrity can bring. From mentors in my community, I witnessed that true leadership is rooted not in dominance but in service to others. From thought leaders who bridge psychology, sociology, and philosophy, I came to understand masculinity as a dynamic interplay—a series of choices and values shaped by an evolving understanding of self and others. This Movember, as we reflect on men’s health, let us also consider the men who have shaped our journeys. But more than that, let us ask ourselves: What kind of role models do we wish to become for the next generation? Young boys are watching, learning, and absorbing; our actions today are the seeds of the masculinity they will carry forward. In a world where crisis seems to be the new normal, we cannot shy away from these questions. Let us face them openly, with courage and humility.

As we lace up our running shoes and grow our Movember moustaches, let us also dig deeper. Let us commit to forging a masculinity that transcends appearance and embraces substance—one rooted in resilience, purpose, and compassion. This is a masculinity that offers strength in the face of adversity, kindness in a time of division, and unwavering hope when the future feels uncertain. Together, let us carry the weight of existence with integrity, leaving behind a legacy of meaning, purpose, and hope. May this Movember be more than a month of symbols. May it mark a moment of transformation, where we dare to forge a masculinity that inspires, uplifts, and endures—a masculinity worthy of the men we aspire to be and the boys who will one day carry our legacy forward.