#372 Has the West Gone Soft The Decline of Traditional Masculinity

The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall explores a controversial question: Has the West become too soft? A listener, a former Irish army soldier, has written in expressing his frustration over new military regulations allowing makeup, false tan, and various hairstyles for both men and women. He argues that these changes erode discipline and reflect a broader decline in traditional masculinity.

The discussion expands beyond the army, touching on gender quotas, the influence of women in key institutions like education, justice, and media, and whether society is moving away from values that once defined masculinity. Are we witnessing a natural evolution of gender roles, or is the push for inclusivity undermining male identity?

Some callers think the army should be about discipline and strength, not self-expression. They argue that masculinity is being systematically erased, with men being discouraged from being assertive and strong. They believe that gender quotas and societal shifts are weakening leadership and making Western societies "soft." The idea that the army should focus on personal expression rather than resilience and discipline is seen as a dangerous shift that reflects a broader societal issue.

While other callers feel the world has moved on from rigid gender roles, and allowing makeup or different hairstyles doesn’t weaken the army—it modernizes it. They argue that masculinity is evolving and that true strength is about resilience, not outdated notions of toughness. To them, inclusivity doesn’t mean making men weaker; it means allowing everyone to be themselves without judgment.

Niall reflects on the passionate debate and the shifting perspectives on masculinity in modern society. As gender roles continue to evolve, is the push for inclusivity strengthening or weakening our institutions? He leaves listeners with the question: Is the West truly going soft, or are we simply redefining what strength means?