Tea at Trianon: How to Talk to Men

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Monday, June 2, 2025

How to Talk to Men

From Direct Line:

Democrats try to “speak bro” with American men using a $20 million strategy plan — hilarity (and confusion) ensues. (see https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dems-drop-20m-bizarre-american-men-strategy-plan-study-effort-dig-out-2024-political-hole )
As a senior economics major at American University, hailing from Oak Park, Illinois, I find myself reflecting deeply on the recent political strategies employed by the Democratic Party. Born in October 2004, my family’s political journey took a significant turn that same year. After years of aligning with Democratic values, the 2004 election marked a pivotal moment when we decided to vote Republican—a decision that has since become a defining aspect of our political identity.
Fast forward to 2025, the Democratic Party has announced a $20 million initiative titled “Speaking with American Men: A Strategic Plan” (SAM), aiming to reconnect with male voters, particularly young men, after noticeable losses in the 2024 election. This initiative seeks to study the language and content that resonates with male voters, even suggesting outreach through platforms like video games. San Francisco Chronicle
A Disconnect Between Strategy and Substance
The SAM initiative, while well-intentioned, seems to underscore a broader issue: a disconnect between the Democratic Party’s strategies and the substantive concerns of male voters. Rather than addressing core issues such as economic stability, job opportunities, and educational access, the focus appears to be on modifying messaging tactics. This approach risks overlooking the fundamental reasons why many men feel alienated from the party. ( https://nypost.com/20265/05/27/opinion/the-secret-to-saving-democrats-20-million-stop-trashing-men/
Critics within the Democratic Party have also expressed concerns. Former campaign staffers have labeled the approach as out-of-touch and patronizing, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement over superficial strategies.
Economic Realities and Political Choices
From an economic standpoint, young men today face numerous challenges: rising student debt, a competitive job market, and concerns about long-term financial security. These issues demand comprehensive policy solutions rather than targeted advertising campaigns. The emphasis should be on creating tangible opportunities and addressing systemic barriers that hinder economic advancement.
In the 2024 election, data indicated a significant shift among male voters towards Republican candidates, with many citing economic concerns as a primary factor. This trend suggests that policy positions, more than messaging strategies, influence voting behaviors.Wikipedia. (Read more.)