What is a generational authority? I see senior citizens passing on their experience and expertise to those who come after. But, the idea of authority doesn’t resonate. I don’t see myself, as an emerging senior, passing on authority; I see myself more as a guide. What is a guide? Why might I convert from being a coach and a teacher to a guide? Because I believe in the generational authority and I recognize that it’s come time for me, as a senior, to let go my need to be an authority.
I speak from experience. I have been a prominent community coach and artistic director for fifty plus years. The lifestyle is a definite high. But, in current times, toxic masculinity is increasingly highlighted as a sign of community erosion. I have slowly recognized that my desire to be a teacher has contributed to toxic masculinity.
Wow! Now what? I start with an inquiry into ways my teaching methods have contributed to toxic masculinity. I stall out. I recognize all kinds of veering patterns and I slow down.
My understanding is that toxic masculinity emerges through behaviors of dominance, power over, imposing will and kicking the feminine self to the curb. I recognize the part of me using toxic masculinity to lock in toxic feminity. Ouch! Claiming my feminine self is not comfortable!
I understand better the concept of generational authority. It means emerging seniors will gather to share stories and compare notes, not impose or control.
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