Inside the training camps for “alpha males”
Fresh Air Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 45 min
Guests: Charles Bethea
Summary
This episode examines the rise of male-centric training camps and the cultural shift towards reclaiming 'alpha masculinity'. It highlights how these camps are growing in popularity amid concerns over men's mental health and societal roles.
What Happened
Charles Bethea, a staff writer for The New Yorker, investigates the growing trend of camps and retreats designed to help men reclaim their masculinity. These camps involve rigorous physical activities, such as crawling through mud and sitting in ice baths, and are marketed as a way for men to reconnect with their 'alpha' nature.
Nick Adams, an influencer with a large following, promotes his book 'Alpha Kings', which argues that men should embrace their masculinity without shame. Donald Trump, in alignment with Adams' views, wrote the foreword for the book and nominated Adams for high-level positions during his presidency.
Brendan King, a former Marine, runs the RISE camp in Virginia, which stands for Ruthless Integrity and Simple Execution. Participants in RISE are subjected to disorienting activities, including being blindfolded, to promote mental toughness and brotherhood among men.
The Squire program, founded by Bedros Kulian in California, specifically targets teenage boys, advocating for a politicized stance on masculinity. The program costs approximately $1,000 for a day-long experience and draws on themes from Jack Donovan's controversial book 'The Way of Men'.
Michael Kimmel, a former professor, and Frans de Waal, a primatologist, provide historical context on the concept of 'alpha males'. While de Waal originally used the term to describe peaceful male chimps, it was later co-opted by political figures to promote aggressive masculinity.
Aaron Marino, an early influencer advocating for men's self-improvement, lost followers to more extreme influencers during the pandemic. Wes Watson and Andrew Tate have gained popularity by promoting hyper-masculine ideals and offering an escape for men who feel disillusioned by current societal norms.
There is a recognized crisis among men who are falling behind in key areas like wages, education, and mental health. Despite this, there remains a stigma around therapy for men, leading to the rise of boot camps and influencers as alternative outlets for addressing these issues.
Claude Levi Strauss's essay, 'The Effectiveness of Symbols', suggests that familiar language can help people work through problems. This idea is mirrored in the 'bro talk' and physical activities at camps like RISE, which aim to provide men with a space to confront and share their struggles.
Key Insights
- Charles Bethea's investigation reveals a cultural shift towards 'alpha masculinity' as men seek to reclaim their societal roles through physical and mental challenges at specialized camps.
- Nick Adams uses his influence to promote 'Alpha Kings', a book encouraging men to embrace their masculinity. Donald Trump, who shares Adams' views, contributed a foreword to the book.
- Brendan King's RISE camp in Virginia employs intense physical challenges and disorienting activities to foster a sense of brotherhood and mental resilience among participants.
- The Squire program in California, led by Bedros Kulian, targets teenage boys with a politically charged approach to masculinity, drawing inspiration from controversial sources like Jack Donovan's 'The Way of Men'.