The internet is fickle. Trends come and go in the blink of an eye. But often these viral phenomenons reveal deeper truths about our society if you look closely.
One such recent trend that took over Twitter explores modern masculinity. "Men used to go to war" tweet memes contrasted stereotypical manly traits of the past with more sensitive ones today. On the surface, a lighthearted joke. But a closer examination uncovers complex gender commentary.
In this deep dive, we‘ll analyze the origins, meanings, controversies, and implications of the viral "Men used to go to war" tweet trend.
The Tweet Format and Meaning
The basic format of a "Men used to go to war" tweet is:
Men used to go to war [description of stereotypically masculine historical activity]
Followed by:
Now they [contrasting description of a trivial, frivolous, emotional, or unmasculine modern activity]
For example:
Men used to go to war
Now they send paragraph long good morning texts
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The implied critique is that men today are weaker, softer, and more feminine compared to brave warriors of the past. As the meme spread, hundreds of jokes appeared mocking modern men for things like drinking oat milk lattes, posting Instagram photo dumps, and anxiously waiting for text backs.
On the surface, light teasing of men not conforming to masculine stereotypes. But a deeper look reveals complex gender commentary.
The Meme‘s Viral Origins
The earliest known tweet in this format came in August 2020 from user @talliesinyoung as a bittersweet tribute to her late brother:
Men used to go to war and die
Now my brother just goes to work and comes home
This first version focused on appreciating the normalcy of men returning from work rather than war.
@talliesinyoung‘s tweet inspired many spin-offs centered on contrasting masculine warriors and trivial modern pastimes. Most users removed the "and die" part, instead going for light mockery like:
Men used to go to war
Now they send 3 texts in a row if you don’t reply
Dropping "and die" shifted the tone from somber reflection to teasing needy, desperate modern men compared to stoic war heroes.
Two Interpretations of One Trend
On one level, these tweets do seem to shame men for acting in traditionally feminine ways – caring about fashion, showing emotion, drinking lattes, obsessing over skincare.
The implied judgment is masculine traits like strength and bravery are superior, while modern men are weak and inferior for liking feminine-coded things.
But a deeper look reveals the tweets also subvert traditional gender roles. The exaggerated contrast between battle-hardened soldiers and sensitive hipsters pokes fun at the rigid rules of masculinity – the absurd notion that "real men" can‘t show emotion or like anything feminine.
In a way, the meme makes fun of those very gender boundaries.
Reflecting Societal Changes in Masculinity
What explains this meme‘s popularity right now? It likely touches on a cultural shift in modern masculinity.
Views on manhood and acceptable male expression have expanded in recent decades. Men face less pressure to conform to restrictive masculine ideals.
But some discomfort exists regarding changing gender norms – anxiety that men are becoming too feminine, disconnected from masculine duties like fighting wars.
Another view though is that the meme actually reveals progress breaking down rigid gender binaries. The exaggerated contrast spotlights how dramatically standards of masculinity have evolved, reflecting more fluidity in gender expression.
Rather than simply mocking modern men, the viral tweets can be seen as meta-commentary on how society is grappling with shifting masculinity norms.
Critiques and Controversies Surrounding the Meme
Despite humorous intent, many find "Men used to go to war" tweets problematic or offensive for several reasons:
- They imply feminine interests are inferior and shame men for engaging in them
- The fixation on war glorifies violence while trivializing actual veterans‘ trauma
- Stereotyping all men as either binary masculine warriors or effeminate hipsters
- Suggesting modern men are weak can insult those with mental health vulnerabilities
Some call out the flip mockery dismisses active service members and veterans who still fight wars abroad and experience trauma.
Others argue the format mocks harmless gender non-conforming interests like skincare, emo music, or plant milk lattes. Rather than shaming men exploring feminine-coded spaces, we should celebrate breaking down rigid gender barriers.
Examining Our Own Biases
When looking at divisive online trends, we have to examine our own biases too. Why do we view feminine traits as weaker? Why shame men for interests outside masculine norms?
Much of it likely stems from ingrained notions that feminine equals inferior. Dismantling these harmful biases will allow more freedom in how we view healthy forms of expression.
Our culture remains uncomfortable with men acting outside masculine stereotypes. But the landscape is gradually shifting.
Rather than mock them, we can support men pursuing varied interests like book clubs, tea tastings, showing emotion, wearing makeup or skirts. Judgement will only alienate men drawn to "feminine" things, hindering progress.
The Evolution of Masculinity in the Digital Age
While containing crude stereotypes, "Men used to go to war" tweets touch on important conversations around masculinity evolving in the digital age.
Key questions arise from this viral meme:
- How are masculine ideals changing in modern society?
- How do shifting gender norms impact men‘s mental health and identity?
- What hidden biases behind toxic masculinity need examination?
- How can we foster healthy masculinity in an inclusive, non-judgmental way?
We can use polarizing trends to launch thoughtful discussions on improving society. The landscape for male identity is rapidly changing. Navigating it requires nuance, compassion, and open minds.
By the Numbers: Statistics on Modern Masculinity
- 17% of Gen Z men say they are more feminine than the average man, compared to 7% of Baby Boomer men according to Pew Research.
- Only 65% of Gen Z men say they are mostly or completely masculine, compared to 84% of Baby Boomer men according to Pew data.
- Google searches for men‘s makeup tutorials surged over 70% in 2022 compared to 2021.
- The global men‘s personal care industry is predicted to reach $166 billion by 2022, according to Allied Market Research.
- 24% of TikTok‘s user base is male, with young men helping drive viral trends like skincare, fashion, and makeup.
Key Takeaways on This Viral Tweet Trend
While seemingly frivolous on the surface, viral meme trends often provide insight into societal tensions around important issues.
The "men used to go to war" tweets shed light on uncomfortable changes as traditional masculinity evolves in the digital age.
Rather than simply mock modern men as soft and feminine, we can use this moment to reflect:
How do we support men pursuing fulfilling self-expression while dismantling rigid gender barriers?
Progress means fully embracing diverse perspectives and interests outside the traditional masculine norms – without judgment.
