The Washington Post, 2024
Author(s): Christine Emba
Christine Emba’s 2023 essay is an insightful and thought-provoking piece on the masculinity of young men and what that means in today’s society.
Emba began the piece by saying how men, especially young men, are getting weird. She wrote about clothing ads boasting “tactical hoodies” because layers when outside are not “manly,” interviews men about their thoughts on masculinity, writes about how this is not the first time society has questioned what masculinity is becoming and more. The essay is a blend of classic reporting with personal anecdotes and humor.
Her reporting incorporated expert analysis and interviews as Emba navigated the complexities of shifting societal norms around masculinity. The essay offered both empathy and critical examination. Her innovative approach included a smartphone-filmed video of street interviews, audio narration and opportunities for reader engagement across social media, which extended the essay’s impact across social media platforms and broader audiences.
It brought in over a million readers, thousands of responses and was The Washington Post Opinion section’s top story in 2023. Emba’s work sparked vigorous debate and prompted further exploration into how societal shifts in masculinity affect broader social dynamics.
Article by: Abbi Ross