In my last blog I mentioned the importance of the media highlighting men who demonstrate the best of masculinity. These men serve as important role models for boys and younger men who are seeking the answer to the question, “What is a “good man?” Watching Jimmy Carter’s funeral and the media coverage of his lifetime of accomplishments reminded me that he was and is a terrific role model of the best of masculinity.
A useful and frankly rather straightforward framework for defining masculinity can be found in the work of Moore & Gillette. In their book, “King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine” (1990) they describe four archetypes of masculinity: King, Warrior, Lover and Magician and how they are useful in illustrating positive and negative masculinity.
The King – reasons, plans, focuses, manages, uses logic, seeks vision.
Light (I am) – empowering leadership, , generative, value driven Shadow (I want) – dictatorial, egotistical, amoral, grandiose
Carter’s King operated in the light. He sought leadership as a governor and president and expressed his values even when politically costly. Teaching Sunday school exemplified his generative desire to pass on his values to young people.
The Warrior – takes action, confronts, commands, motivates.
Light ( I do) – change agent, protector, disciplined, assertive Shadow (I take) – violent, bully, uses aggression as primary strategy,
Carter’s Warrior operated in the light. He graduated from Annapolis, which required discipline and was followed by his career as a naval officer. He left the navy to return to protect his family after his father passed. As an elected official – state house, governor, president – he proved to be a leader with transparency and the motivation to take action to deal with the issues facing the country.
The Lover – nurtures, sexual, connects, passionate, joyful.
Light (I feel) – intimate, sensual, affiliated, emotionally expressive, compassionate
Shadow (I need) – exploiter, selfish, emotional blackmailer,
His Lover was clearly in the light. A 74-year marriage to his wife and his dedication to his children and grandchildren exemplified his compassion and his commitment to nurture. His years of involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center demonstrated his compassion and dedication to others.
The Magician – creates, solves problems, makes it happen, transforms
Light (I fix) – win-win, creative, applies acquired wisdom
Shadow (I con) – manipulator, cheater, means justifies ends
One example of Carter the Magician was how he made the first black midshipmen in Annapolis his roommate because he knew what it meant to be a minority. His lifelong commitment to world peace led him to travel the globe to find creative ways to ensure fair elections, peace and the elimination of disease which led to being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
I can not think of a better role model for living the best of masculinity than Jimmy Carter. I hope that educators emphasize Carter’s accomplishments in the context of what it is to live life as a real man.