Could the hostility towards white men and masculinity partially explain the shortage of volunteer firefighters?

[IHaveRespawned]

We are in the midst of a nationwide volunteer firefighter shortage, putting some departments at the brink of collapse.

I believe there are many factors, such as economical circumstances where people have to work multiple full time jobs to stay afloat. I believe the fixation on tech may be a contributing factor too, as younger generations are glued to their phones and video games instead of wanting to get out and get their hands dirty. Although, news sources do claim GenZ is pursuing the trades too.

But one big contributing factor I feel is the emasculation of our boys, the attacks on masculinity over the years, the way people behave, and the hostility towards white men.

Let's be honest here. I was heavily involved in emergency services years ago, and the vast majority of volunteer firefighters and those involved in emergency services as a whole were white and male. You had tougher tomboy females involved and few minorities too, but the vast majority (at least what I witnessed) were white men.

I think people seem to forget that white men mostly kept things together. Now, everything is going to shit.

Yes

No

See poll

[exitseven]

no, people do not have a sense of community anymore. I have neighbors that live a few doors down that I do not know who they are. It was not like that 20 years ago.

[IHaveRespawned]

Yes! No doubt! I do believe there are multiple factors that play a part.

1. Displacement, reshaping of the cultures in the areas, and mass migration of residents from northern states to the south
2. Economical circumstances
3. Emasculation of our boys
4. Poor health, physically, mentally, and emotionally

[IHaveRespawned]

Most of all: I believe the service model of a 100% volunteer department is outdated. Ay a minimum, we should be looking at stipend (pay-per-call) models if not combination paid/volunteer departments.

[exitseven]

I live in a town that was pretty rural when I moved in. They had a call fire dept. with the chief as the only full time firefighter. The town grew up and now we have full time fire fighters

[Hagar88]

The feminising of men, obesity and of course fire houses are now a hostile environment for straight white men.

[IHaveRespawned]

There is one other factor you reminded me of: the good ol' boy system. I feel this is offputting to people who consider joining

[Hagar88]

The lack of a good ol boy system would explain the lack of recruitment

[beefcakebradybatson]

Hire more firefighters of colour and female firefighters !!!

[IHaveRespawned]

Nothing is preventing blacks or females from becoming firefighters, except hardly any of them want to take upon the responsibility.

[beefcakebradybatson]

How do you know, pal?

[In_Trance]

Didn't you ask this already