As a gay man, I would expect Buttigieg has come about his reflection on patriarchal masculinity differently.

Apparently, post-patriarchal masculinity is like post-patriarchal grammar — all about misplaced modifiers. There is no such thing as post-patriarchal masculinity, just post-patriarchal males. If you can’t say to a man “Grow a pair,” or “Be a mensch,” what, exactly does “masculine” mean?

Ms. Swann is another of those foolish feminists who thinks it is possible to be a little bit masculine. I’m reminded of one of the other Medium scolds, who wants to dress in a way that lets her “feel sexy” without sending the message that she is interested in sex. It’s actually just a form of aggression. “Post-patriarchal masculinity” is Newspeak; there is nothing “masculine” about it.

Daring men to be “masculine” in a way that does not involve financial or physical protection, in a way that is undifferentiated from, rather than complementary to femininity, is stupid. Beto O’Rourke can credit his wife with child-rearing because she does the child-rearing. If a woman can’t say the same thing, that’s on her, not on him. Maybe the world outside the feminist bubble still thinks that motherhood and homemaking are honorable and valuable, not to say essential, occupations.

BTW, I like Mayor Pete. I hope he is elected President, in 2040.