By Red State Coach – RJ Lundstrom

Norman Mailer hit the nail on the head when he said:

“Because there is very little honor left in American life, there is a certain built-in tendency to destroy masculinity in American men.”

We are facing a multitude of crises tearing at the fabric of American culture. Climate alarmism, the weaponization of the justice system, questions about election integrity, open borders, and rising antisemitism on college campuses and across the country—this list goes on. And yet, for the past 50 years, one attack has quietly gained traction and widespread acceptance: the attack on the American male.

As a society, we’re now struggling to even define what it means to be a man. Who could forget the moment at the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson when she was asked, “Can you define a woman?”—and chose not to provide a clear answer. This cultural confusion has had far-reaching effects on our young men, creating a generation unsure of their place in the world.

To the boys and men out there: stop listening to mainstream media, movies, talk shows, and the ivory tower academics preaching their watered-down version of masculinity. Norman Mailer was right—there is a lack of honor in society, and men have become the primary target.

A quick look at American television history tells the story. In past decades, shows like Leave It to Beaver (Hugh Beaumont), Father Knows Best (Robert Young), The Andy Griffith Show (Andy Griffith), and even The Cosby Show (despite Bill Cosby’s personal failings) portrayed strong male role models—men who led their families with discipline, compassion, and accountability.

Compare that to more recent portrayals: Eugene Levy in Schitt’s Creek, Ed O’Neill in Married with Children, Jeffrey Tambor in Arrested Development, and Jon Hamm in Mad Men. These characters, though entertaining, are often presented as bumbling, spineless, self-centered, or deeply flawed figures. Today’s media tells men they must either be loners without commitments or weak caricatures completely dominated by those around them.

But manhood is not one-dimensional. Real strength lies in a man’s values, his balance, his intellect, and his emotional maturity. A real man holds his own in any situation and nurtures meaningful relationships. He treats his partner not as an object, but as someone with inherent worth, and he is willing to reveal his own strengths and vulnerabilities—without being dominated.

True men must stand tall in today’s world. They cannot afford to bow to every cultural trend or talking point from the likes of The View. The true model for manhood is found in scripture, where God sets the standard through consistent and flawless teaching. Consider Micah 6:8:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

To be a man, we must develop every element of masculinity—not just one. We must master the 3 Ps: Physical, Professional, and Personal. Within every man lies immense potential. Unlocking it is the key to living a life filled with purpose and meaning.

That journey begins with self-discovery. Take the time to reflect on what drives you. What do you value? What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? Knowing these things will help you clarify the path your life should take.

Next, set meaningful goals—goals that push you out of your comfort zone and inspire you to grow. Whether it’s a personal milestone, a career achievement, or a lifestyle transformation, goals provide purpose and direction.

But make no mistake: this is not about shortcuts. This is about putting in the work. Success rarely comes easily, and setbacks are part of the process. Embrace the challenges—they are opportunities to grow stronger.

You’ll also need to cultivate a growth mindset. Believe in your ability to improve. View failures as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Stay curious. Seek feedback. Push yourself to develop new skills. Growth only happens when you stretch beyond the familiar.

And as you make progress, celebrate the milestones—even the small ones. Every win is a testament to your dedication. Learn from both your triumphs and your failures, and use them to fuel your forward momentum.

This is how you build a fulfilling life. By stepping onto the path of purpose and unlocking your potential, you move toward something extraordinary. This journey is yours. The destination is shaped by your values, your goals, and your willingness to stand tall as a man in a world that often tries to tear you down.

So, are you ready to take that first step? The road may be long, the challenges real—but the transformation is worth it.

Uncover your hidden potential. Be a man. And watch your life transform before your very eyes.

Let’s start this journey together.

About the Author

Born and raised in Arizona and a frequent traveler throughout the American West, RJ Lundstrom walks boldly as a Christian, a lifelong Constitutional conservative, and a believer in the foundational strength of family and community. Guided by the pillars of Faith, Family, and Freedom, RJ holds firm to traditional values and the belief that strong societies are built on personal responsibility and unwavering principles.

For 25 years, RJ dedicated his career to coaching USA club and high school swimming, leading teams to 7 state championships and mentoring numerous high school All-Americans, national qualifiers, and Olympic Trials hopefuls. His leadership extended into the classroom as a public school educator, teaching American Government and Economics before stepping into school administration. His time in education placed him in the heart of the cultural and ideological battleground—but like Daniel in the lion’s den, he remained steadfast in his convictions.

RJ’s worldview has been shaped by early influences such as Barry Goldwater, economists Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, political thinker Thomas Sowell, and—most profoundly—his father, Jon Lundstrom.

Now entering a new phase of life, RJ is focused on building meaningful relationships, sparking thoughtful conversation, and encouraging others to take bold, positive action in their own lives. He invites readers to join him on this ride—rooted in faith, driven by truth, and grounded in purpose.

Learn more about his work at redstatecoach.com.