Toxic Masculinity, Donald Trump, and the American Spirit’s Disease

Ancient philosophies and modern spirituality often point to a collective illusion or shadow, sometimes called Maya. What is seen, what is heard, what is thought by the mind and felt by the heart are all because of Maya. All this appears as Truth, but it is not the truth. As long as one avoids the questions:

‘Who am I?’ and

“Why do I think and act the way I do?”

One lives in this shadow world thinking that it is the only reality.  

Welcome to the deadly world of illusion created and sustained by damaged male energy!  This is the world created by toxic masculinity, and the puppets created, maintained, and controlled by its hypnotic spell. 

What does it reveal about a society when it elevates a figure who embodies domination, aggression, and emotional suppression as a role model? Donald Trump epitomizes the darker side of masculinity—what we have come to call toxic masculinity. His behaviors and actions don’t just reflect this mindset but have actively contributed to its normalization, embedding it further into the American cultural psyche.  This toxicity is literally a mind virus which now threatens the very fabric of a civil, empathetic, and evolving world culture.

Toxic masculinity extends beyond outdated ideas of “manliness.” It speaks to deep-rooted power dynamics and cultural norms that sideline vulnerability and empathy while glorifying domination, aggression, and a rejection of accountability. Trump’s rise to prominence helped transform these traits into symbols of strength and success, effectively fostering an environment where unhealthy masculinity thrives.

Toxic masculinity manifests through societal expectations that dictate how men “should” behave. It glorifies traits like control and emotional suppression while stigmatizing vulnerability, empathy, and collaboration. Boys hear phrases like “man up” or “don’t cry” from a young age, messages that insidiously discourage emotional expression, except for anger—a form of release that’s more socially acceptable for males.

The results?

Men grow into adults who view emotional vulnerability as weakness. They are conditioned to bottle their pain, leading to stress, isolation, and poor mental health. On a larger scale, toxic masculinity fuels aggression, strengthens systems of inequality, and widens societal divisions.

Trump’s behavior exemplifies this cultural disease on a grand stage. Mocking the vulnerable, undermining cooperation as weak, and treating opposition as enemies—these are its hallmarks.

Donald Trump and the Principles of Toxic Masculinity

Trump’s actions and legacy broadcast the themes of toxic masculinity loudly and clearly, creating a distorted image of power and leadership that prioritizes ego over principles. A few key patterns stand out in his behavior:

  • Mockery of the Vulnerable: Consistently portraying empathy as a liability (e.g., his mockery of a disabled reporter).
  • Aggression as a Weapon: Using insults in debates and social media to bully opposition.
  • Devaluation of Women: The sexual assault allegations against him, paired with objectifying behavior, reflect the notion of women as subordinate to male pleasure and control.
  • Hyper-Individualism: His unwillingness to admit faults or accommodate perspectives outside his own encapsulates the self-centered ethos of toxic masculinity.

These behaviors symbolize toxic ideals not just for his followers but for society at large, reshaping how power and success are perceived in a broader cultural context.

The Core Principles of Toxic Masculinity

The following principles encapsulate the toxic narratives that dominate the collective unconscious, often exaggerated to such extremes that they resemble caricatures. Yet, upon reflection, they’re eerily familiar. Insert Trump’s name for “I” in these statements, and a disturbing image of toxic leadership emerges:

  1. I am the center of the universe. Others exist to serve my pleasure, profit, or disdain.
  2. Love is weakness. I suppress it to achieve personal goals.
  3. Hatred, disguised as love, damages those who fear and follow me. My schizophrenia will eventually be modeled by others loyal to me, guaranteeing that I will continue to be supported in my madness. 
  4. People and nature are valuable only if they can be monetized.
  5. I never admit mistakes. As far as you should be concerned, I am never wrong. Guilt is for the powerless.
  6. My alcohol/drug use or psychological abuse of others is justified by my position in power, its stress and my sacrifices.
  7. Reflection is for fools. I am perfect and require no changes.
  8. Anger is my weapon and dominates my interactions.
  9. When opposed, I bully or discredit others until they submit.
  10. Trust and collaboration threaten my goals. Distrust is my ally.
  11. Women are possessions for family, sexual, or economic benefits.
  12. Lies are powerful tools—repeat them until they are accepted as truth.
  13. If no conflict exists, I create conditions for one, and benefit from it,.
  14. My self-worth relies on unending pursuits of power, wealth, and sexual conquests.
  15. My desires, especially sexual ones, are supreme and exempt from critique.
  16. My family, my employees, my friends must be loyal and conform to my control, even under threat of violence.
  17. Perfectionism and control justify judgment and manipulation.
  18. Betrayal within my family or community deserves ultimate retribution.
  19. When dishonored, self-destruction, or burning my world down——is acceptable.
  20. I sabotage my potential because my worth is tied to pleasing a dead, disfigured father image and unachievable societal standards.

These statements may seem extreme, but they mirror deep-seated narratives embedded within toxic masculinity. They reveal a cycle of control, exploitation, and dominance that damages individuals, families, and society.

Unchecked toxic masculinity harms everyone—not just men.

For Men

Men face pressure to suppress emotions, breeding isolation, anxiety, and depression. Seeking help is often stigmatized, further compounding mental health struggles.

For Women and Marginalized Communities

Women face devaluation, harassment, and rigid roles. Racial and ethnic minorities experience compounded harm, as toxic masculinity intersects with systems of privilege and oppression.

For Society

The dominance of toxic masculinity fosters exploitative systems—prioritizing profit over people and aggression over collaboration. It deepens inequities and stifles empathy.

Addressing toxic masculinity involves redefining masculinity in ways that promote inclusion, compassion, and introspection. Here’s how we can dismantle its grip on society:

  1. Promote Emotional Intelligence

Encourage men to express emotions openly and redefine vulnerability as a strength.

  1. Hold Leaders Accountable

Reject figures who glorify toxic traits and uplift role models demonstrating empathy and strength in harmony. Leaders like Volodymyr Zelensky exemplify this balance.

  1. Recognize Harmful Narratives

Media should portray diverse and positive expressions of masculinity.

  1. Start at Home

Parents and educators play key roles in teaching empathy and respect at a young age.

  1. Restructure Institutions

Workplaces and governments should prioritize inclusivity and collaboration over dominance. Representation matters.

  1. Model Healthy Masculinity

Challenge harmful norms and foster connections based on respect and emotional depth.

Toxic masculinity is not a men-versus-women issue—it’s a societal problem that isolates individuals, perpetuates oppression, and undermines progress. It limits humanity’s potential for compassion, equality, and connection.

Donald Trump symbolizes this problem at its most extreme, but he doesn’t have to define its future. Together, we can reimagine masculinity in ways that empower individuals and heal societal divides.

Transformation begins with you. Examine the narratives in your life, speak out against harmful norms, and foster healthier expressions of humanity. By peeling back the layers of toxicity, we uncover a collective potential for growth, empathy, and harmony.

45th and 47th POTUS. He fooled the voters twice, showing low emotional intelligence levels for the American voting public,

Trump facts

May I share some facts?

64 Times Mentioned In Epstein Report.
97 Times Pleaded The Fifth.
34 Felony Convictions.
91 Criminal Charges.
26 Sexual Assault Allegations.
6 Bankruptcies.
5 Draft Deferments.
4 Indictments.
2 Impeachments.
2 Convicted Companies.
1 Fake University Shut Down.
1 Fake Charity Shut Down.
$25 Million Fraud Settlement.
$5 Million Sexual Abuse Verdict.
$2 Million Fake Charity Abuse Judgment.
$93 Million Sexual Abuse Judgements.
$400+ Million Fraud Judgment.
First President in history to serve a full term increase the deficit every year he was in office.
First President in history to maintain a debt to GDP ratio over 100% for his entire term.
Highest annual budget deficit.
Most added to the national debt in a single term.
Most new unemployment claims.
Largest single day point drop in the history of the Dow.
First major party candidate in half a century to lose the popular vote twice.
Longest government shutdown in history (and he did that while his own party controlled both chambers of Congress).
First President in the history of approval ratings to maintain a net negative approval rating for his entire term.
First President to be impeached twice.
First President to have bipartisan support for his conviction after impeachment (which happened both times).
Most indictments, guilty pleas, and criminal convictions of members of an administration.
First president to have a mug shot.

Please go ahead and lookup every claim

TREASON (Trump Related Extreme Anxiety Strikes Our Nation)

I am not teasing.

There is the national stink of TREASON.

And the cult of Trump has lost all reason.

The Repugnantlican sycophants continue their appeasing.

Of a corrupt, dangerous man whose heart is out of season.

Be careful, America!

On our nation’s consciousness there is a fatal lesion.

Truth, justice, sanity, and liberty are retreating.

Bring healing to a country divided by his heartless scheming.

We must Isolate and neutralize this cheating, sleazing demon.

The Divine and Healed Masculine: 20 Principles of Spiritual Integrity

For every shadow cast by toxic masculinity, there is a light of the healed, divine masculine waiting to emerge. Where toxic masculinity thrives on separation, control, and fear, the divine masculine operates from a space of unity, compassion, and unwavering strength. Below are 20 guiding principles of the spiritually sound man, offering balance, healing, and forward motion for individuals, families, and society.

1. Service Over Ego

“I recognize that leadership means service, and my purpose is to uplift others, not dominate them.”

Unlike toxic narratives that place the self above all, the divine masculine sees himself as part of a larger whole. His worth is measured not by control, but by his ability to nurture and empower those around him.

2. Love as Power, Not Weakness

“I embody love as the highest form of spiritual and human strength.”

The healed masculine understands that love is not a vulnerability but the essence of true power. This love is expressed openly and warmly, dissolving fear and building connection.

3. Healing Wounds, Not Passing Them On

“I face my own shadows with courage and release old patterns that harm myself and others.”

A spiritually sound man takes accountability for his traumas and seeks healing so that generational wounds are not passed forward in cycles.

4. Alignment with Nature and Spirit

“I honor the Earth as sacred and align my actions with its well-being.”

Instead of exploiting the natural world for profit, the divine masculine safeguards nature knowing it mirrors his own balanced inner world.

5. Accountability Over Denial

“I take full responsibility for my actions and view growth as a lifelong process.”

Rather than brush off mistakes, the spiritual masculine embraces them as opportunities to grow, proving that vulnerability is a strength, not a flaw.

6. Connection, Not Control

“I seek collaboration and mutual respect in all relationships.”

Rather than see others as tools or possessions, the healed masculine treats people as equals, fostering trust, respect, and honest communication.

7. Wisdom in Transparency

“I value truth and speak it with clarity and compassion.”

Deception has no place in the divine masculine. Lies are replaced with honesty, and transparency is wielded as a tool for creating deep relationships.

8. Fearless Emotional Expression

“I invite my emotions to flow freely, knowing they connect me to my humanity.”

Unlike the toxic suppression of feelings, the healed masculine is unafraid to cry, express joy, or admit when he feels fear. Emotional bravery becomes his strength.

9. Protecting Through Peace

“I protect not through aggression but through unwavering peaceful resolve.”

The spiritual masculine has no need for needless violence. Protection comes from a calm inner strength capable of de-escalating hostility.

10. Equality in Relationship

“I view women and all people as complete and equal beings, deserving of dignity and respect.”

Instead of seeing others as extensions or possessions of himself, the healed masculine seeks relationships built on mutual empowerment.

11. Unity with the Feminine Within

“I honor the divine feminine within myself and others as a source of balance and creation.”

The spiritually sound man integrates both masculine and feminine energies, understanding this unity fosters a deeper connection to himself and the world.

12. Power as Collective Growth

“I use my strength, voice, and gifts in service of the collective good.”

The healed masculine views power solely as a means to create abundance, connection, and progress for everyone around him.

13. Anger Transformed into Action

“I use my anger as a source of constructive change, never as destruction.”

The spiritual masculine experiences anger without repression but channels it into just, non-violent action for progress and healing.

14. Strength in Listening

“I honor the voices of others, listening deeply before responding.”

True strength is found in stillness and listening. His voice may be powerful, but it yields space when others need to share their truths.

15. Honoring Life’s Cycles

“I trust the wisdom of beginnings, middles, and endings in all things.”

The spiritual masculine understands impermanence and accepts change not with fear, but with grace and adaptability.

16. Partnership as Sacred Union

“I cherish relationships as opportunities to co-create and worship the sacred in one another.”

Rather than delegating relationships to dynamics of control, the spiritual masculine sees love as a realm where divinity is continually rediscovered.

17. Truth Over Denial

“I face and acknowledge even the most uncomfortable truths with openness.”

The healed masculine does not retreat into escapism or denial but meets life’s challenges with clarity and integrity.

18. Creativity as Manifestation

“I wield my creativity not for conquest, but for beauty, healing, and connection.”

The divine masculine brings forth his ideas not from a place of self-serving ambition but from love for humanity.

19. Legacy of Healing, Not Harm

“I seek to leave behind a world more healed and united than the one I entered.”

The healed masculine builds legacies that inspire peace, foster equality, and create harmony for generations to come.

20. A Soul Open to Transformation

“I welcome transformation as the path to becoming my higher self.”

The spiritual masculine is not rigid; he evolves, sheds, and grows as he seeks greater alignment with his true essence.

The divine masculine invites men, and all those wrestling with the wounds of toxic masculinity, to step into their fullest potential. It is time to heal ourselves and dismantle structures built on fear and domination, replacing them with systems grounded in empathy, balance, and love.

Transformation begins with a single question, courageously whispered into the stillness of our hearts:

Who am I, and how can I embody love?


Bruce

I am 69 years old, and I am a retired person. I began writing in 2016. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.