The tension between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for years, with both sides claiming dominance over the other. However, President Vladimir Putin has recently updated his guidelines for how his supporters and trolls should communicate about this conflict. And one thing is for sure, there’s a new emphasis on masculinity.
Gone are the days of calling it a “liberation” of Ukraine. That is what the U.S. does, and Putin wants to distance himself from any comparisons to his rival country. Instead, the focus now is on the generational trauma that this war is causing and how it is turning boys into men.
But why is Putin putting such an emphasis on masculinity in this conflict? Well, he believes that men in most parts of the world are being emasculated. Through the control of social media algorithms, lack of military service, and a sedentary lifestyle, men are losing their sense of strength and masculinity. And this war, according to Putin, is a necessary way to counteract that.
The message is clear- taking part in this conflict is the ultimate display of masculinity. It’s a way for men to prove their strength, courage, and patriotism. And with the rise of digital platforms, it’s become even more important to show off these qualities.
So, Putin’s new guidelines are a call to action for his supporters and trolls to paint this conflict as a battle between macho men and emasculated boys. It’s a rallying cry to stand up for traditional values, physical strength, and military service.
In the midst of this adrenaline-fueled conflict, Putin is seizing the opportunity to reinforce his image as a strong, masculine leader. And for his supporters, there’s no better way to show their loyalty than by following his new guidelines.
