Standing up for rugged individualism has become a divisive act. Extolling the virtues of masculine white males because they built this country with their rugged individualism has become taboo. We need more men with this character type. The best of the best, “Be all you can be.” was a popular US Army slogan that inspired people to join the Army. These were the sort of men who were once looked up to as the pinnacle of manhood. Now this is frowned upon because it might put social pressure on boys who don’t want to try so hard, or maybe they can’t. Excellence is a trigger word. How have these positive qualities suddenly become the traits teachers try to rub out of their young male students?

How has it become racist to extoll the successes of those totally rugged individuals who won this country? These men were not interested in collectivism. They were risking their individual reputations, their fortunes, and their lives for the concept and the brand-new idea of a Democratic Republic. They believed they would succeed in forming a completely independent country.


No one else was trying anything like that. No women were suggesting this, nor anyone from the indigenous populations. In fact, no one from the Far East, Russia, or China was interested in the idea of independence and democratic government. Only white Anglo-Saxon men, or those Norman/Germanic types, were attracted to the new world. Along with Northern Europeans, many Spaniards, Portuguese, and Italians spread to the south and to South America. These people were filled with a wanderlust and an independence, not to mention bravery, that allowed them to risk all and migrate to the New World. Many came looking for gold, while others sought religious freedom, and still others came because they had nothing and wanted a chance to build a life in the land over the water, where there were few rules and abundant opportunities. We must not forget those who were sent here as punishment for crimes. Sometimes it was a choice given to them by the court. Emigrate to the colonies or be hanged. They were all self sufficient, and determined, not interested in dealing with rules and restrictions. They were idependent.

All of these were rugged individuals. 

Somehow, over the intervening centuries, these men, once celebrated as heroes to emulate, have been demonized. They are portrayed as avaricious fiends who tore the country away from its rightful owners, the indigenous population of multiple tribes of natives. It is vital to understand that you cannot judge them by today’s standards. We have become sensitized to the idea that we must not disturb anything in nature, especially entire populations. However, that was not the view of people in the 16th and 17th centuries. They believed it was normal and right for a more highly educated and better-armed people to conquer people they considered lesser.

The philosophy or mindset that promotes self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of individual goals and aspirations is under attack. What sort of evil force is trying to weaken us from within? This is not an accident. It has been happening for nearly 3 quarters of a century. Steady inroads on our self sufficientcy and attempts to shame us for who we are.

Much of the trouble seems to be focused on the idea of slavery. But, just like the idea of freedom from Great Britain started with white men of Anglo-Saxon descent, so did the idea of freeing the slaves.

Slavery was not simply a product of the New World. It was the way of the entire world at the time. It is ancient. Slavery is mentioned over and over in the Bible. It is common knowledge that it was universal in ancient times in all populated areas. Yet nowhere else was there a groundswell of support for setting these people free. Great Britain was the first to outlaw slavery. Countries like Denmark and Sweden followed, and the United States fought a war over this not long after.

My point is, stop feeling guilty for something your ancestors helped end in their own countries. It was the Anglo-Saxons (who seem to be maligned these days) who brought about the END of slavery in the USA. It was still ubiquitous in most countries around the globe at that time. If you are really against slavery, there is plenty of it happening now, all over the world. Get involved. Do some real good for others.

How about child trafficking? All the innuendos and rumors from the last few decades have now been verified. Aren’t you disgusted? Actual rugged individuals should be rising up to right this wrong. But boys, especially, have been discouraged from being rugged, much less individuals, and this has been to our detriment as a country. They have been suppressed all their lives and told not to be too rugged and definitely NOT to think for themselves. Three generations have been fed this idea, and it has become normalized. I looked for memes about rugged individualism and found the majority suggested this idea was a harmful one. How did this happen?

How can we teach young boys to be proud of their male traits rather than criticize them for being themselves? The feminization of males is a crime against humanity. Who thinks we, as a people, will be better off without rugged males? Whose agenda will this assist? Who is running the show? Even for those of us who have not bothered to check out what is happening around the world personally, feminized males will have an effect on all of us.

I believe prayer is the only answer to much of what is happening these days. The situation is dire. Young people have eschewed the values that secured our freedom and autonomy. Somehow, our younger generation feels shame about the actions of our forebears rather than pride in their unique accomplishments. This subtle brainwashing is destroying our culture and our country from within.

It is real. I see young people literally flinch when the phrase “rugged individualism” is said in their hearing. They do not like the word rugged. And they are turned off by the word individualism. Both of these words were used for centuries as compliments in the Western world.

What makes some boys aspire to be Marines, Navy Seals, or Astronauts? Those are REAL boys, not afraid of difficult jobs, not terrified by danger. They like and respect guns. They don’t mind getting dirty. The vast majority of men today are upset if they miss their morning Latte. If the air conditioning goes on the blink, if traffic is heavy, or if they cannot find a parking space they melt down. Perhaps they need more opportunities to test themselves against nature, to work until they drop in blistering heat or bone-chilling cold. To go out in the wilderness and trap animals, to explore territory where no man has been before, or sail across uncharted seas used to be possible for restless individuals. But now there are fewer frontiers if one can find one at all.

It seems hopeless. Soon, these listless and uncurious young people will opt for a guaranteed income and assigned free housing in 15-minute cities. If there are any rugged individuals left, they will become fringe creatures, people to steer clear of, to shun. God help us.

Do not let that happen. Raise your boys to be independent. Raise them to be rugged. Unsupervised play and exploration are good for boys. Being “tracked” and watched constantly is bad for them. They need to go outside and deal with nature and the elements without their electronic games and the gear that goes with that.

First of all, stop disparaging the phrase Rugged Individualist! Encourage it above all else. Critical thinking, independent actions, freedom of movement and staying clear of collectiveism are important. Keeping true to themselves and having pride in what they do will allow their strength to grow.

Copyright©. 2026 Bonnie B. Matheson