Who’s shepherd bliss

Sounds like a weakling to me

“The warrior ethic has damaged us. As we move into the twenty-first century we need to mature beyond war and warriors. I disagree with those men’s movement writers and activists who speak so highly of the warrior. I appreciate some of his traits— like courage, teamwork, loyalty— but the archetype itself is bankrupt at this point in history. We surely need guardians, boundary-setters, husbandmen , and citizens. If we are to survive on this planet, so threatened by war and warriors, we must get beyond the obsolete archetype of the warrior and value images such as the peacemaker, the partner, and the husbandman who cares for the earth and animals.”

— Shepherd Bliss , The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love

Shepherd Bliss is a significant figure within the mythopoetic men’s movement, which sought to address and redefine notions of masculinity in response to contemporary issues facing men in society. Bliss, alongside other notable figures such as Robert Bly and Michael Meade, played a key role in promoting the idea that modern society’s disconnection from traditional male archetypes and rites of passage has led to a crisis in masculine identity and well-being.

A veteran, academic, and farmer, Bliss has contributed to the dialogue on masculinity through writings, workshops, and public speaking. His work emphasizes the importance of emotional openness, the value of community, and the need for men to engage in introspection and personal growth. Bliss advocates for a reconnection to more holistic and nuanced expressions of masculinity, distinct from the restrictive and often harmful models prevalent in much of contemporary culture.

Through his involvement in the mythopoetic men’s movement, Bliss has encouraged men to explore their identities, relationships, and roles in society in a more profound and meaningful way, using storytelling, mythology, and communal gatherings as tools for this exploration. Despite the criticisms and controversies surrounding some aspects of the mythopoetic men’s movement, figures like Shepherd Bliss have contributed to ongoing conversations about masculinity, its challenges, and its evolution.

The mythopoetic men’s movement is a facet of the larger men’s movement that emerged primarily in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It focuses on spiritual, psychological, and social traditions and practices aimed at rediscovering or redefining what it means to be a man. The movement gained prominence through the work of poets, authors, and thinkers like Robert Bly, whose book “Iron John: A Book About Men” (1990) became a bestseller and is often cited as a seminal work in the mythopoetic men’s movement.

The “mythopoetic” term itself suggests a return to ancient myths, stories, and rituals as a source of wisdom and insight into the male psyche and the challenges of masculine identity. Adherents believe that modern society lacks meaningful rites of passage and myths that guide men into mature adulthood. By revisiting these ancient stories and engaging in group rituals and personal reflection, men can find healthier, more integrated ways of being that are not at odds with their masculinity.

Key aspects of the mythopoetic men’s movement include:

• Exploration of Masculinity: Participants explore various facets of masculinity through discussions, storytelling, and personal introspection, seeking to understand and embody a more holistic and authentic form of manhood.
• Rites of Passage: The movement places a strong emphasis on rites of passage, which it views as crucial for men’s emotional and psychological development. These rites are often modeled after traditional ceremonies and rituals from various cultures.
• Emotional Expression: Encouraging men to express their emotions more openly and to forge deep, meaningful relationships with other men as a counter to the traditional stoicism associated with masculinity.
• Reconnection with Nature: Many mythopoetic gatherings and retreats take place in natural settings, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the natural world.

While the mythopoetic men’s movement has contributed to opening dialogues about masculinity, emotions, and men’s roles in modern society, it has also faced criticism. Some feminists and scholars argue that it can unintentionally reinforce certain gender stereotypes or fail to fully address the dynamics of power and privilege. Nevertheless, it represents an important early effort to engage men in the conversation about gender roles and the impact of societal expectations on individual well-being.