[This is currently one of the more popular shows on Netflix, a four-part limited series about a thirteen year-old boy who is arrested on suspicion of murdering a young girl. As television storytelling I give it high marks. It’s not pleasant, but it is very compelling. Here’s the official trailer:
In terms of Silverbackian relevance, however … that’s where I’d like to hear from my fellow apes, both male and female. Things like “Incel, manosphere, the 80/20 law, and Andrew Tate” were all new to me. I have sensed for many years now that “boys are broken,” meaning that our cultural models for young males are not working. How many drug overdoses, school shootings, and suicides do we need to witness before admitting this, even if we can’t explain or understand what’s going on?
It’s not a subject that is easily discussed, however. When the subject comes up in mixed company, the battle lines are instantly drawn and the finger-pointing, name calling, and labelling begin. Civility is one of the first casualties. The result, gulp, is what we’ve got in this world, and it makes me want to retreat into The Jungle, where the rules are more clear.