Description
Welcome back to Malestrum. In this episode, we take on a difficult and highly charged subject: young men and violence. Using the assassination of Charlie Kirk as a starting point, Barry and Griffin examine why Gen Z males are often at the center of acts of violence—whether as victims or perpetrators—and how society frames these events across the political spectrum.
Summary
The conversation begins with Griffin outlining the troubling trend: most perpetrators of mass shootings are young men in their late teens to early thirties. Together, Barry and Griffin explore how polarization, misinformation, desensitization to violence, and lack of present mentors contribute to the crisis. They contrast how the left and right interpret and propose solutions—whether gun reform, mental health, or political blame—and why these responses often fall short. They also share personal reflections: Barry recalls the violence of the 1960s and the unifying shock of 9/11, while Griffin discusses the normalization of shooter drills and the role of social isolation, radicalization, and echo chambers in shaping young men’s behavior. The dialogue highlights nuance, challenges media narratives, and stresses the importance of real conversations, role models, and tangible community action.
Why It’s Important for Malestrum
At its core, Malestrum exists to create a space where fathers and sons, mentors and young men, can openly confront the issues shaping Gen Z. Violence among young men is not just a political flashpoint—it is a lived reality, reflected in statistics, in classrooms, and in cultural perception of the U.S. By breaking down the stereotypes, acknowledging complexity, and refusing to reduce tragedy to partisan talking points, Malestrum fulfills its purpose: fostering dialogue that helps young men understand themselves, find healthier paths, and realize they are not alone in their struggles.
