You’ve undoubtedly seen the above tweet. It went viral largely because it very simply (and...

You’ve undoubtedly seen the above tweet. It went viral largely because it very simply (and unintentionally) called out the evolving idea of masculinity — specifically, who has evolved and who hasn’t.

The guy who posted this image, John Cardillo, clearly hasn’t.

What I’ll say… No. What I’ll ask is this: Do you think the image of a loving father embracing his adult son is inappropriate? If so, why? Also if so, how did your father raise you? Do you feel the same about your mother hugging you, giving you a kiss on the cheek? Does that somehow diminish your masculinity?

I guess what I’m getting at is I don’t understand people who don’t understand that this image is beautiful. It shows love and fatherly pride and, yes, unwavering masculinity. Because real masculinity means not being afraid to show emotion, to express it. And those who disagree are the people who still use the word “gay” as an insult.

Cardillo maybe was joking when he posted this, implying an incestuous relationship between Biden and his son. It’s a political season, after all, and everybody thinks they’re a goddman comedian. But, the fact that this “joke” didn’t land and instead became a lightening rod for discussions about what modern masculinity means says more about Cardillo himself — that he is a slave to antiquated ideals and he is not masculine enough to express love without feeling weak. He’s a coward.

If you want a deeper dive on the subject of modern masculinity as it pertains to parenting, my friend Aaron has a whole book that tackles this. It’s called Raising Boys to Be Good Men: A Parent’s Guide to Bringing up Happy Sons in a World Filled with Toxic Masculinity.

Anyway, dads, go hug your sons, kiss them on the cheek. It’s manly as fuck to be a father who isn’t afraid to show love for their boy.