Adolescence Part 2

50,000 Views, 150+ Comments

Some suggested the clickbait worked. Maybe it did.

But I want to go beyond that.

I usually reply to every comment. This time, there were too many. So instead, I want to explore the themes, the reactions, and what this debate really says about boys, media, and society.

Probably won’t get as much traction.

But it’ll have more substance.

What stood out first? How many people actually agreed. Around 40%, which surprised me—because all I’d seen publicly was praise.

So let’s start with that.

As a piece of cinema? Brilliant. The acting. The cinematography. The way it draws people in.

It sparked conversations—like this one.

“Funny how art can be perceived and interpreted so differently that one feels like maybe it's not the same show we watched.” – Yvonne Sesonga MPA, CRHA

“I suspect you are finding precisely what you wanted to find in this piece of work.” – Adam Bush

And that’s fair.

I welcome disagreement. I want to learn, expand, and understand different perspectives.

I’m not preaching. I’m joining the conversation.

A few comments suggested I was dismissing the issues. That I was saying this isn’t real.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I know these issues exist. I see them. I speak to young men every day.

But my view? The root cause isn’t some systematic passing down of misogyny. It’s deeper than that.

It’s cultural. It’s generational. It’s Generation iPad—kids being raised by screens, algorithms shaping their worldview before parents or teachers even get the chance.

That’s why I agree in part with this:

“It’s not an attack on boys, it highlights that in a lot of cases now the internet is raising our children. Morons like Andrew Tate have more influence over our boys than Mums & Dads do because they’re available at the tap of a screen.” – Ahron Tolley

That’s the real issue.

I want men and boys to have purpose, drive, resilience.

Because when they don’t?

Well Statistics speak for themselves

VAWG

Drug, alcohol misuse

Suicide

We tell boys about patriarchy—how men dominated, suppressed, and were "on top" for so long. We tell girls they can be anything—which is great. But we’re leaving boys out.

And if they feel left out? They’ll go looking.

And right now? The loudest voices telling them where to look are dragging them backwards.

They’re being sold a fantasy of the "good old days." Where men were "men." Where power meant control.

That’s terrifying.

Because if we don’t address this the right way, we risk undoing hundreds of years of progress.

Do I “Get It”?

A few people asked if I have children.

Irrelevant.

Can I have an opinion without kids? Yes. Does that mean I’m right? No. But I’ve spoken to countless men and boys. I’ve listened. I’ve seen the patterns.

I think that puts me in a good position to ask questions.

And here’s one:

When someone says, “You’re wrong.”—are they saying that? Or do they just disagreeing?

Did It Make Me Defensive? Vulnerable?

Great question from Alicia Lomas :

“Did it make you feel defensive, vulnerable? I’m so confused by your take.”

No, not defensive.

I just saw an opportunity to expand on what the show missed.

Vulnerable? No. But worried, maybe.

At first, all I saw was universal praise. And I get why—it’s a powerful piece of art.

But some people did agree with me, in part or fully. And that made me think:

Are we so used to one narrative that we can’t question it?

Paul Boyce OBE said this:

“Sounds like you have a downer on men, Lewis.”

The complete opposite.

I want men and women to be uplifted together.

I’m hopeful for the future.

And I’m glad these conversations are finally happening.

Three years ago? Rare. Now? Mainstream.

If we get this right, 2025 could be the best time to be a man, boy, girl, or woman.

I want to leave you with this comment from Matt E.:

“From what I'm seeing on social media, responses fall into two camps. 1. Shocked parents (mostly mothers) affected by what they've seen. 2. People who work in or with young men and boys—who feel like this says nothing new, just issues they’ve been raising for years.”

I'm glad the programme happened

I'm glad it has sparked conversation

And I'm hopeful

Thank you to everyone who commented, liked and shared my post

Let's always continue the conversation.

*My orginal post is here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/lewishackney_adolescenceanother-attack-on-boys-expected-activity-7307683571090026497-S9VY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACiU8WcBazbQDLE6l48rye1ReNnBo-eFrzQ