The Sensitive Man – Are You a Sensitive New Age Guy? (SNAG)

 
A Blog about Sensory Processing Sensitivity from the Worldview of a High-Sensing Male
 
Are you a Sensitive New Age Guy? This was a term that was bandied about a lot when I was a young adult. But, it was a brief flirtation with men's liberation promptly crushed by the Reagan revolution of the 80s. That return to conservative and traditional masculinity still has a hold on us today. The idea that men could be both sensitive and spiritual in an alternative way was just too much for some folks to handle- too soft, too weak, too feminine. But what exactly was the term about?

The term "sensitive new age guy" (SNAG) is a colloquial expression often used to describe a man who has progressive views, is emotionally intelligent and empathetic, and is interested in spirituality and personal growth. This stereotype is associated with the New Age movement. It encompasses a range of beliefs and values that challenge traditional gender roles and emphasize emotional intelligence, non-violent communication, and spiritual development.
 
While some people view the "sensitive new age guy" as being too emotionally fragile or insincere, others see sensitivity as a strength and value it in their relationships and communities. This shift in attitudes toward sensitivity and emotional intelligence is part of a broader cultural trend toward rejecting traditional masculinity and embracing a more nuanced and inclusive definition of masculinity.
 
Overall, the "sensitive new age guy" is significant as a representation of changing cultural attitudes towards masculinity and gender roles and reflects the growing interest in spirituality, self-improvement, and emotional intelligence. Whether viewed positively or negatively, the "sensitive new age guy" is an important cultural phenomenon that provides insights into the evolving definition of what it means to be a man in the 21st century.
 
The Origins of the Term
 The term "sensitive new age guy" can be traced back to the emergence of the New Age movement in the 1970s and 1980s. The New Age movement was a cultural and spiritual movement that embraced various alternative beliefs and practices, including spiritualism, alternative medicine, and environmentalism. As this movement grew, so did the stereotype of the "sensitive new age guy."

The term "sensitive new age guy" was popularized to describe men who embraced New Age beliefs and values and were seen as being in touch with their emotions and espousing progressive views. In addition, this stereotype was often associated with men who were interested in spirituality, personal growth, and self-improvement and rejected traditional notions of machismo and aggression.

In the decades since the phrase was first popularized, the "sensitive new age guy" has become a cultural phenomenon reflecting changing attitudes towards masculinity and gender roles. The stereotype has been celebrated and criticized, with some people viewing sensitivity as a strength and others seeing it as a sign of emotional fragility or insincerity. However, with the discovery of the temperament trait of sensory processing sensitivity in the mid-90s, sensitivity has gained traction as a normal and positive personality trait regardless of gender. Nevertheless, the "sensitive new age guy" continues to be an important cultural stereotype that provides insights into evolving attitudes towards masculinity and gender roles.

Characteristics of a Sensitive New Age Guy
The term "sensitive new age guy" (SNAG) is often used to describe a man who has the following characteristics:

• Emotional openness and sensitivity: They are in touch with their emotions and are not afraid to express them.
• Political correctness: They are conscious of social and political issues and support progressive causes and are aware and honor individual differences in people.
• Interest in spirituality and New Age beliefs: They may be involved in practices such as yoga, meditation, and alternative therapies.
• Non-traditional masculinity: They may challenge societal norms of traditional masculinity and embrace more feminine qualities and are more likely to embrace the full range of human capabilities, regardless of gender.
• Open-mindedness: They are open to new ideas and experiences and often accept diverse cultures and lifestyles.

Criticisms of the Sensitive New Age Guy Stereotype
The Sensitive New Age Guy (SNAG) stereotype has faced criticism for the following reasons:

• One-dimensional representation: The stereotype oversimplifies a complex and diverse group of individuals by reducing them to a narrow set of characteristics.
• Reinforcement of gender stereotypes: Critics argue that the SNAG stereotype reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations, especially by portraying men as passive and lacking in conventional masculinity.
• Reinforcement of cultural stereotypes: The SNAG stereotype may also perpetuate negative stereotypes about New Age beliefs and practices.
• Lack of inclusiveness: The stereotype may not be inclusive of individuals who do not fit within the narrow definition of the SNAG, such as those who are not white, middle-class, or urban.
• Stigmatization: The term "SNAG" is often used in a derogatory way and can lead to stigmatizing individuals who may identify with the qualities associated with the stereotype.
• Overall, the SNAG stereotype is considered limiting and oversimplifying and should be approached with caution and critical consideration.

 
Personal Reflections and Conclusions
 So, are you a SNAG? With the advent of what can only be described as a reborn, fledgling movement promoting men's ability to be sensitive, feeling, empathetic, and nurturing creatures again, can we revive the ideals of the SNAG movement of the 70s and early 80s?
 
As highly sensitive men, can we be the champions of a revival and liberation of sorts to bring humanity back to masculinity? For those who have followed my blog over the years, you must realize that I believe this is our ideal purpose. We, as HSP men, can lead directionally and, by example, a rediscovery and recrafting of masculinity that matches the needs of our times.
 
We are the blueprint and can serve as the model for men to rediscover their authentic selves and partner with females to create a liberation movement that will free both men and women to be in the fullness of the range of the human palette of behaviors, emotions, and capacities.
 
We can lose the old nomenclature but retain the essence of change. The day is arising to create a new masculinity that is not abusive, violent, aggressive, or territorial—instead, replacing these long archaic traits with kindness, empathy, nurturing, and intuition. Characteristics long associated exclusively with the feminine can now be embraced to enhance and edify the masculine. The New Age moniker seems quaint now, but the day of sensitivity and self-awareness is here.