The “Masculine Mystique” Edition

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Hanna, June, and Noreen discuss the new APA guidelines for boys and men—and the crucial distinction that many commentators who disagreed with them missed. Then, a new Gillette ad has gone viral for its invocation of toxic masculinity and #MeToo, provoking strong reactions from feminists and misogynists alike. Should we be wary of “woke” brands, or can marketing campaigns like this one be a sign of genuine progress? Finally, Kirsten Gillibrand and Kamala Harris have officially formed “exploratory committees” for 2020. The hosts debate why both are emphasizing motherhood in their messaging and assess the state of the presidential race as a whole. In Slate Plus: Is it sexist to consider Mary Oliver a “middlebrow” poet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices