Michael Jai White on Joe Rogan: Is Masculinity in Peril?

Actor and martial artist Michael Jai White discussed the changing perceptions of masculinity in the U.S. on Joe Rogan's podcast. White expressed concerns about American boys becoming too soft compared to other countries.

Rites of Passage

White and Rogan talked about "rites of passage" for men in countries like Australia and New Zealand. White noted that non-Americans are often cast as 'alpha males' in movies, considering it unusual to find Americans in such roles.

Evolving Trends in Masculinity

White shared that he first noticed these trends as a schoolteacher, where he saw a shift towards participation awards. He linked this change to a lack of competition and difficulty in handling losses among children, which could have severe consequences.

Rogan agreed and mentioned that experiencing loss is crucial for growth.

Personal Insights

The actor shared his journey into athletics through high school track, applying those lessons to martial arts. He observed that while natural athleticism was beneficial, it sometimes hindered his effort compared to others who succeeded through hard work.

White emphasized focusing on personal growth rather than comparing to others, learning valuable life lessons from martial arts about exceeding comfort zones.