The Presidency as a Symbol of Traditional Power The role of the president has long embodied qualities historically associated with masculinity—strength, decisiveness, resilience, and dominance. Presidents are expected to make tough calls, stand firm under pressure, and project confidence on both the national and international stage. Because these qualities align with traditional masculine ideals, the presidency has become a stronghold for them, even as society has redefined masculinity in almost every other sphere. Even in a time when we champion more balanced and compassionate leadership, presidents are still expected to project toughness and strength. A female or more openly emotionally expressive leader challenges this image, highlighting the complex relationship between masculinity and leadership in the collective consciousness. The idea of a president as a “protector” taps into archetypal masculine roles, reinforcing the notion that the office requires someone who can exude power, often in a stereotypically masculine way. Societal Resistance to Redefining Leadership Though society is moving toward more balanced perspectives on gender roles, the highest political office seems slower to reflect these changes. This is not necessarily due to a lack of qualified female candidates or a changing perception of masculinity. Instead, it often stems from a deeply ingrained cultural association that connects the presidency with a traditionally masculine persona. Many voters, consciously or not, may still feel that the ability to “handle” the role involves qualities that they subconsciously associate with male candidates. Public perception remains influenced by an image of a “strong” leader, often imagined as male. Many female leaders are faced with the challenge of balancing strength and warmth, managing an expectation of both decisiveness and empathy. Male presidents, on the other hand, have been able to embody strength and stoicism without these additional pressures. As society challenges this double standard in other roles, the presidency is slower to catch up, making it a place where traditional masculinity still holds sway. Is This the Last Stand for Traditional Masculinity? In an era where toxic masculinity is increasingly called out and redefined, some argue that the presidency represents one of the last realms where traditional masculinity can still reign unchallenged. The role’s enduring association with masculine strength and stoicism may be why society appears reluctant to embrace leaders who bring qualities traditionally viewed as feminine. Leadership in many arenas is now celebrated for its emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration, but the highest office in the land often doesn’t receive the same progressive approach. However, viewing the presidency through this lens overlooks the possibility of evolving the role into something more inclusive. Leaders around the world are proving that strength doesn’t have to be stoic and that decisiveness doesn’t preclude empathy. The idea of masculinity itself is evolving—shifting from one-dimensional strength to a multi-faceted identity that embraces vulnerability, balance, and respect. Redefining the Presidency and Modern Masculinity Rather than standing as a last bastion of masculinity, the presidency could represent the pinnacle of evolving masculine ideals, embracing strength in ways that align with modern values of inclusivity, resilience, and connection. A president who embodies these qualities can lead with strength and empathy, proving that masculinity in leadership doesn’t have to mean rigidity. As society grows more comfortable with the idea of a leader who embodies both strength and sensitivity, the presidency may no longer need to hold on to the limitations of traditional masculinity. Instead, it can be a place where a fully evolved masculinity—balanced, empathetic, and powerful—leads us into the future. In the end, whether we perceive the presidency as the last stand for masculinity or as an opportunity to reframe masculine ideals, the choice lies with society. The presidency may not be the last stand for masculinity, but it does reflect the evolving nature of power, identity, and the values we choose to champion. As we stand at the crossroads of history, the way we define leadership—and the traits we celebrate in those who seek to lead—will shape not just the office of the president, but the future of masculinity itself. Perhaps the question we should ask isn't whether the presidency is a bastion of traditional manhood, but how the ideal of leadership can grow and adapt to the needs of a more inclusive, dynamic world. The answer, like the future of masculinity, remains to be written.

I had to give myself the freedom to create a life that resonates with my true self. I had to create an algorithm that worked for me - implementing the power of work-from-home opportunities, embracing homeschooling, and diving into the world of housesitting. Here’s how I turned my life into a beautiful tapestry of lifestyle alchemy. The Awakening: Recognizing the Matrix Like many, I spent years adhering to a routine that felt predetermined - waking up early, battling rush hour traffic, sitting at a desk for hours... It didn’t take long for me to realize that this lifestyle was a cage, albeit a gilded one. But I had always had my own vision, even as far back as high school. So there was always a nagging question: What if I could really design the life I dreamt of, the one that balanced and served every part of who I am? How could I own businesses, prioritize home, raise a child alone, find new love and maintain my self? The concept of “the matrix” became clear—it's not just a fictional idea but a metaphor for the societal structures that dictate how we live, work, and learn. I decided it was time to break free. Crafting My Freedom: Work-from-Home Opportunities The first step in my journey involved tapping into the world of remote work. I discovered a myriad of opportunities that allowed me to work from home. Freelancing, consulting, and even online teaching became viable options. This shift not only provided me with financial stability but also flexibility. Working from home meant I could create my own schedule, prioritize my tasks, and most importantly, reclaim my time. I was now able to structure my days around my energy levels rather than a rigid office schedule. This newfound autonomy was exhilarating; I could dedicate hours to personal projects, spend more time in my home, and nurture my creativity. Embracing Homeschooling: Learning Beyond the Classroom As I reveled in my new work-from-home lifestyle, I also realized that I wanted more control over my child’s education. Truth? By third grade, Laila had been bored in school for a long time. The life of my dreams had always seen my children homeschooling but we didn't test the theory until the world shut down with COVID. So when it all ended, I put Laila back in regular school to let her enjoy some degree of normalcy. But after 3 semesters, I had had enough of being at the busstop at 5:50am, fighting off head colds and the negative influence of Ice Spice and Coi Leray's "Girls Is Playas Too." Homeschooling became the next facet of my lifestyle alchemy. I did my research and found an online school that would fit her needs and mine. Homeschooling allows us to spend more quality time together and explore subjects that genuinely ignite her curiosity. We get to travel and delve into projects that connect learning with real-world experiences. This approach transformed education into an adventure, fostering a love for learning that traditional schooling often stifles. Housesitting: A Nomadic Lifestyle With work and education under my control, the next chapter of my freedom involved housesitting. This opportunity presented itself serendipitously. My mom had been doing it all over the world - staying in different homes while their owners traveled, caring for their pets and plants. It could be the key to my freedom - offering me the change of scenery I so desperately craved, allowing me to experience new communities without the financial burden of traditional travel. Housesitting enriched my life in a multitude of ways. Each new location holds a fresh perspective, local culture, and connections. I find myself immersed in everything around me, taking in the majesty of sunsets, seascapes, and skylines... My family and I thrive on the excitement of living like locals, building a rich tapestry of experiences.