In a recent MSNBC interview, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki sparked a conversation about masculinity by praising Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, for his support of Vice President Kamala Harris. Psaki declared that Emhoff has “reshaped the perception of masculinity” but failed to elaborate on how he achieved this. She cited his self-identification as “an advocate for justice and equality” and his public support for issues like pay equity and family leave.
However, the article goes on to argue that this narrow view of masculinity misses the mark. The author questions Psaki’s focus on Emhoff’s public image, considering his history of legal troubles and accusations of inappropriate behavior. These include a lawsuit alleging a sexually charged work environment hostile to women and a report of Emhoff physically assaulting a girlfriend. Emhoff has not denied the accusations but claims he “doesn’t have time to get p—ed off.”
The article then suggests that a more nuanced and authentic understanding of masculinity can be found in the Torah’s portrayal of Moses. The author highlights several key characteristics of Moses’s masculinity:
Strength and Courage:
The Torah portrays Moses as a man of immense strength who uses it to defend the oppressed. He courageously intervenes to save a Jewish slave from an Egyptian slavemaster and single-handedly saves seven young women from harassment.Compassion and Tenderness:
Beyond his physical strength, Moses exhibits profound compassion for others. He not only protects women but also cares for their needs, as seen in his willingness to water the sheep of the women he saved.Appreciation for Strong Women:
Moses’s journey is deeply intertwined with strong women. His mother, sister, and wife all play pivotal roles in his survival and success. His respect for women’s strength and capabilities is exemplified in his reliance on his wife, Zipporah, to save the family from divine wrath when he fails to circumcise his first son.Humility and Self-Criticism:
Despite his great accomplishments, Moses is described as being “exceedingly humble.” He readily criticizes his own people to guide them towards improvement and even blames himself for the rebellion of Korach, showing a willingness to take responsibility for the actions of others.The author concludes by praising Psaki for raising the question of masculinity but ultimately advocates for a deeper understanding of the concept. The author suggests that Moses, with his combination of strength, compassion, humility, and respect for women, offers a more robust and authentic model of masculinity than that presented by Doug Emhoff.
