A bold critique from David Marcus argues that poetry has lost its masculine roots, sparking a cultural conversation on the art’s future.
Story Highlights
- David Marcus claims male voices in poetry have been marginalized by leftist academia.
- Historical male poets are cited as models for a cultural revival.
- The article calls for a return to “manly” poetry to benefit young men.
- Upcoming cultural events are expected to catalyze this poetic revival.
Male Voices in Poetry: A Lost Tradition?
David Marcus, a conservative commentator, insists that male voices in poetry have been sidelined over the past 50 years due to a shift in academic and publishing preferences. This change, he argues, has led to the marginalization of male poets and a cultural perception of poetry as unmasculine. Marcus highlights historical figures like Shakespeare, Byron, and Frost as examples of a rich masculine tradition that has faded.
The Impact of Ideological Shifts in Academia
According to Marcus, this shift began in the 1970s when academic and publishing institutions started prioritizing women’s voices over those of men. This decision, he claims, erased male voices from the literary landscape, discouraging young men from engaging with poetry. The article suggests that these changes were driven by ideological biases within leftist academia, which have fundamentally altered the perception of poetry over decades.
Marcus also notes the influence of postmodernism in MFA programs, which he believes has “neutered” poetry by stripping it of its traditional masculine elements. This has led to a form of poetry that is overly focused on emotion, rather than the robust and transcendent qualities that once characterized the art form.
A Call for Cultural Revival
The article argues for a revival of masculine poetic traditions, suggesting that such a revival would not only benefit young men but also restore the cultural significance of poetry. Joseph Massey, a contemporary poet, supports this view by calling for poetry that is “large, rich, and strong.” Marcus predicts that upcoming cultural events, like Christopher Nolan’s 2026 film The Odyssey and America’s 250th birthday, will serve as catalysts for this revival.
The suggested revival aims to re-masculinize the arts and provide young men with a cultural narrative that promotes personal and societal growth. Marcus argues that without new male poets, future generations will be deprived of powerful, meaningful literature.
Sources:
DAVID MARCUS: Why we must make poetry manly again
