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Iconic Figure for Many Young Men: Charlie Kirk

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2025 September 17 . 5:06 PM

2 min read

Charlie Kirk Drawing Adoration from Numerous Young Men

Iconic Figure for Many Young Men: Charlie Kirk

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in the educational landscape, particularly in the way schools approach traditional activities and literature. Schools have stopped assigning books that traditionally appeal to boys, favouring introspective, therapeutic tales instead. This change, however, has sparked controversy and raised questions about its impact on young men.

The decline in adolescent markers of independence, such as one-on-one dates, jobs, and earning a driver's license, has left many boys and young men adrift. This is coupled with a worrying trend of increasing isolation and loneliness, which tracks with smartphone and social media usage. Numerous studies document the isolating nature of these digital platforms, and the decline in face-to-face interactions seems to be a growing concern.

The American Psychological Association issued guidelines in 2019 warning about the dangers of "traditional masculine ideology." This shift in perspective has led to the elimination or modification of traditional male spaces, and activities like dodgeball, tag, and lunchtime touch football have been ditched in schools to minimize baleful influences and administrative headaches.

The murder of prominent conservative leader and role model Charlie Kirk has had a devastatingly personal impact on many young men. Millions of his followers, a significant number of whom were boys and young men, saw Kirk as embodying values like patriotism, personal responsibility, and faith—traditional masculine virtues such as stoicism, self-reliance, and competitiveness that often play a significant role in upbringing.

Educators needn't parrot the views of figures like Charlie Kirk to connect with his adherents or earn their trust, but they should tell these young people that they count, their experiences and views matter, and it's OK to honor and embody age-old notions of virtue. Understanding the appeal of figures like Kirk to disaffected boys and young men is crucial, given the fact that boys fare far worse in school than do girls and that young men make up just 40 percent of college students.

The result of these changes is a reduction in doing, the atrophy of social networks, and a steady shift of cultural energy to gaming and sports betting. Proponents of social and emotional learning see their project as a healthier alternative to "harmful" traditional norms, but it's important to strike a balance that respects the unique needs and experiences of all students.

In 2023, the surgeon general reported that the amount of time young adults age 15 to 24 spent with friends decreased by almost 70 percent between 2003 and 2020. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of fostering a school culture that encourages interaction, independence, and the development of strong social networks.

School culture has become more passive and less boy-friendly, even as schools adopted the bubble-wrapped tenets of trauma-infused pedagogy. Educators unwilling to do this have a chance to remind these youth why they turned to figures like Charlie Kirk in the first place—to find a sense of belonging, purpose, and a platform to express their views. By fostering an environment that respects and nurtures these needs, educators can help young men navigate the challenges of modern society and thrive in their personal and academic lives.