Latest news with #AshtonHall
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How Democrats can make "Speaking with American Men" a success
After losing big with men under 30 in the 2024 election, Democrats have spent $20 million on a program called 'Speaking with American Men' (SAM) to help figure out which 'spaces' they need to show up in to fare better with this demographic. A smart place to start would be the gym; the booming men's fitness market is expected to more than double by 2029, growth driven by men under 25, who are joining gyms almost twice as fast as women. And as SAM co-director Ilyse Hogue and I wrote here last year, the right has done an excellent job parlaying young men's healthy interest in exercise into an embrace of reactionary politics. But it doesn't need to be that way. Across the political spectrum, craving the surefire sense of accomplishment the gym provides is an age-old response to an unstable political and economic environment. And historically, championing physical fitness with appeals to American manliness has not been a partisan issue. If the SAM initiative is going to net the Democrats more than online snark, its leaders should appreciate that this history suggests the party's path forward might just begin at the gym. In the vast digital universe targeting young men, the idea that exercise is imperative to self-actualization is inescapable. It's most obvious in fitness-focused influencers like Ashton Hall, whose six-hour 'morning routine' recently racked up nearly a billion views on X. But plenty of public figures with grander concerns insist exercise is integral to achievement. Take Andrew Tate's obsession with 'plummeting masculinity' or Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s quest to make America healthy again. A commitment to early-morning workouts, Tate advises, is Step 1 to asserting alpha dominance. Performing pullups, as the septuagenarian Kennedy does shirtless at Gold's Gym, is proof of political power. Such encouragement spans the political spectrum. While it's become more common to see Republicans like Paul Ryan or Pete Hegseth flaunting their fitness, Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden often promoted exercise as a personal and policy priority, and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman went viral in 2023 for benching 405 pounds while wearing a Working Families Party T-shirt. Online, progressive streamer Hasan Piker expounds on his diet and fitness regimen as readily as he opines on capitalism and climate change. He recently met up with fellow streamer and 'big Trump guy' Bradley Martyn at a rare site of common ground: the weight room. When Piker, with mock seriousness, announced to his followers that he and Martyn hoped to inspire 'the young men out there who are lost — who feel anchorless, rudderless — by lifting some heavy weights,' he articulated an idea that long predates the so-called right-wing 'manosphere.' For more than a century, in moments of upheaval that raise questions about what it means to be a man, men have reliably sought a sense of agency in exercise. When the world feels confusing or out of control, make a man of yourself, beginning with your body is an especially enticing proposition. If, despite one's best efforts, landing a rewarding career or a loving mate proves elusive, then why not capture a sense of self-efficacy at the squat rack? Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg's billions may be out of reach, but attaining their newly sculpted bodies only takes some discipline and protein shakes. The social and economic roots of the American man's fixation on fitness date to the early 20th century. As urbanization and compulsory education laws kept middle-class, mostly white boys in schools staffed by women, psychologist G. Stanley Hall worried in 1904 that they were being weakened by the 'social instincts of girls' and prescribed rough sports such as wrestling and boxing to counter what he called the dangerous 'repressions of modern life.' Although the white-collar careers to which upwardly mobile young men aspired conferred superiority over the sweaty masses, this prestige came at a cost: so-called 'desk diseases,' as 19th-century doctors styled them, marked by sloped shoulders and sagging paunches. And President Teddy Roosevelt touted 'the strenuous life' as a way for young men to resolve the paradox of progress. During the Depression, as men of all classes reckoned with the emasculation of joblessness, bodybuilder and entrepreneur Charles Atlas successfully peddled an inexpensive mail-order muscle-building regimen that promised to unlock 'he-man living' and 'make you a new man.' To combat concerns at the time that caring for one's body and appearance was somehow effeminate, Atlas promised men that a muscular physique would inspire adoration in women and command the respect and fear of other men. The unprecedented prosperity of the 1950s, with its many desk jobs, televisions and time-saving appliances, ushered in yet more anxiety about the softening of the American male — among members of both major political parties. Worried that the sudden glut of leisure risked rendering boys unfit for military duty, Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration launched what would become the Presidential Council on Youth Fitness in 1957. 'We are not a nation of softies,' Vice President Richard Nixon warned at its launch, 'but we could become one.' In the December 1960 issue of Sports Illustrated, President-elect John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, amplified this concern that 'soft Americans' who languished on the sofa, or as spectators in the stands, represented a national security and a moral hazard. A vigorous American man, he insisted, must be on the move — a lesson he reinforced in countless photos of him swimming, sailing, tossing a football or challenging the military (and his brother Robert) to hike 50 miles in 20 hours. The tumult of the 1970s, with its 'stagflation,' second-wave feminism and general loss of faith in government and the military coincided with another wave of male fitness boosterism. 'If neither our doctors nor the government can be expected to bring us good health, to whom can we look?' wrote running proselytizer Jim Fixx in his 1977 bestseller 'The Complete Book of Running.' 'The answer is plain: to ourselves.' Given the many physical and mental benefits of exercise, the latest push for men to self-actualize through fitness is hardly a negative — or necessarily partisan — development. Experts agree that exercise is close to a 'magic pill' for its many health benefits. Gyms have also never been more inclusive: Weight rooms welcome women and men frequent studio classes. It's progress, surely, that no one needs the reassurance Arnold Schwarzenegger offered in 1977, that 'men shouldn't feel like f--s just because they want to have nice-looking bodies.' Yet destabilizing moments like the one we are now living through reveal an enduring dynamic: Men are encouraged with particular urgency to get moving when their social status feels in flux. Generation after generation, boosters sell men the irresistible idea that at the gym, if nowhere else, the sweat of your brow is all that stands between you and success. It's an understandable, even healthy impulse, and Democrats would do well to start rebuilding their political muscle quite literally, by seeking to identify with the guy at the gym. This article was originally published on
New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Does a Lion Concern Itself With Memes?
If people on your social media feed are suddenly referring to themselves in the third person — and as lions no less — you're not alone. The Sigma Lion meme, in which people refer to 'the lion,' often as a veiled reference to themselves, has become somewhat ubiquitous online. If that makes no sense to you, here's some helpful background. OK, where did this come from? To understand the usage of 'the lion,' you have to first understand 'sigma grindset,' a TikTok trend that gained popularity in 2022 and merges two subcultures. A 'sigma,' in social media slang, is a successful and highly independent man. The concept was popularized in the 'manosphere,' a corner of the internet largely populated by young men that frequently promotes anti-feminist and misogynistic rhetoric, and it has spread out from there, becoming frequent slang in high schools and middle schools. The second subculture is made up of people who commit to a 'grindset' lifestyle, which glorifies a specific type of hard work that prioritizes self-improvement, productivity and discipline at the expense of leisure. Think Ashton Hall's viral morning routine. Sigma grindset takes the mentality of the sigma world and combines it with the commitment to hustle culture from the grindset, and that all manifests in the discussion of 'the lion.' Why is a lion involved? The usage of a lion in this context is nothing new. A popular saying in sigma grindset circles is 'The lion does not turn around when the small dog barks,' which has been attributed to a supposed African proverb. But there is also a famous line from 'Game of Thrones' in which Tywin Lannister says, 'A lion does not concern himself with the opinion of a sheep.' Similar constructions are abundant, and they are rarely attributed to specific sources. As with so many memes, the quotations were originally shared earnestly, before being co-opted by those who wanted to satirize and mock the concept. Some interpretations were outlandish, some were funny and more than a few carried racist or offensive messages. The meme took on a life of its own when people began discussing even odder things the lion does or does not do, like not concerning itself with child labor laws or not tipping minimum wage workers. In a short period of time, it has morphed, for some, into a way to share more petty grievances, like not having asked for pickles. I still don't get it. Fair! The meme and its variants require a slight sprinkle of brain rot, meaning you have to spend a lot of time on social media — primarily in Gen Z and Gen Alpha circles — to truly grasp them. Honestly, the less you know the better — after all, the lion does not concern itself with stories explaining memes.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 schedule release video stars Ashton Hall. A look at past videos
The Jacksonville Jaguars have fully embraced social media trends and meme culture the last couple of years, and it shows. Each year, the team comes up with a creative video to announce their official game schedule to fans and generate hype ahead of the season's start. Advertisement This year is no different. The video, posted May 14, follows social media influencer Ashton Hall as he completes his morning routine. Hall, a former football player at First Coast High School, went viral on TikTok a couple months ago for his extensive morning ritual. He has over six million followers and has inspired countless parodies. Jaguars 2025 prime time games: Schedule, dates, opponents Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 schedule video features Ashton Hall Social media influencer Ashton Hall, a former football player at First Coast High School, lent a hand to the Jaguars and added releasing the team's upcoming schedule to his lengthy morning routine. Advertisement Hall famously dunked his head into a bowl of ice water in his viral video, and did the same in the release video at the Miller Electric Center. Jacksonville Jaguars' 2024 schedule release video pays homage to X-Men The X-Men-themed video showed players as superheroes fighting off each opponent while revealing the date and time of each game on the schedule. Jacksonville Jaguars' 2023 schedule release video pokes fun at 'scriptwriting' conspiracy with Asher Grodman Actor Asher Grodman, who plays "Trevor" on the hit CBS comedy 'Ghosts," starred in the 2023 edition of the Jacksonville Jaguars' schedule release video. Advertisement The eight-and-a-half-minute skit poked fun at the conspiracy claiming the NFL 'scripts' and controls the outcome of every season, and highlighted the players' acting chops. Now retired, sports columnist Gene Frenette spoke with Grodman ahead of the video's release. Here's what he had to say. Gene Frenette: Hilarious Jaguars' schedule release video almost worthy of 'Emmy' award Jacksonville Jaguars' 2022 schedule release video asks fans, "You In?" Voiced by former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Shaq Griffin, the video encapsulated the Jaguars' work ethic, hustle and dedication to the game. It focused on the Jaguars' culture down to the fans, including the iconic "DUUUVAL" chant. Advertisement "The work isn't going anywhere and neither are we," Griffin says. "You in?" Jacksonville Jaguars' 2021 schedule release video plays on the 'Florida Man' headline trend The release video announces each game with a side of 'Florida Man' headlines perfectly curated to reference their opponents. One headline read, "'Is there a dessert menu?' Florida man sets new record for eating fish and chips," while revealing a Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins. Jacksonville Jaguars' 2020 schedule release video was taken over by cat memes Crazy cat gifs and memes took over the 2021 Jaguars schedule release video. Advertisement Pet adoptions near Jacksonville: These dogs, cats are looking for new homes Where to buy Jacksonville Jaguars tickets for 2025 Jaguars tickets are available on StubHub, Ticketmaster and more. Buy Jacksonville Jaguars tickets for 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars schedule 2025 Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers – Sunday, Sep. 7 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals – Sunday, Sept. 14 (1 p.m.) at Paycor Stadium Week 3: vs. Houston Texans – Sunday, Sept. 21 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, Sept. 28 (4:05 p.m.) at Levi's Stadium Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Monday, Oct. 6 (8:15 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, Oct. 12 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Rams – Sunday, Oct. 19 (9:30 a.m.) at Webley Stadium in London, England Week 8: BYE WEEK Week 9: at Los Vegas Raiders – Sunday, Nov. 2 (4:05 p.m.) at Allegiant Stadium Week 10: at Houston Texans – Sunday, Nov. 9 (1 p.m.) at NRG Stadium Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Chargers – Sunday, Nov. 16 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 12: at Arizona Cardinals – Sunday, Nov. 23 (4:05 p.m.) at State Farm Stadium Week 13: at Tennessee Titans – Sunday, Nov. 30 (1 p.m.) at Nissan Stadium Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts – Sunday, Dec. 7 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 15: vs. New York Jets – Sunday, Dec. 14 (1 p.m.) at EverBank Stadium Week 16: at Denver Broncos – Sunday, Dec. 21 (4:05 p.m.) at Empower Field at Mile High Week 17: at Indianapolis Colts – Sunday, Dec. 28 (1 p.m.) at Lucas Oil Stadium Week 18: vs. Tennessee Titans TBD at EverBank Stadium This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars schedule release video 2025 features influencer Ashton Hall
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Jaguars schedule release video features social media influencer Ashton Hall
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially have their schedule for the 2025 football season. After making sweeping changes this offseason and bringing in a new leadership contingent, the team is one step closer to being on the grass at EverBank Stadium. Advertisement The NFL officially released schedules for all 32 clubs today and the Jaguars now know the order they'll face opponents. Buy Jacksonville Jaguars tickets for 2025 Game Predictions: Times Union reporter takes a look at the Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 schedule release Jaguars release video to announce schedule release The Jaguars got creative with this year's schedule announcement video. I hope you have your ice, bowl and Saratoga water ready. They tabbed social media influencer Ashton Hall, a former football player at First Coast High School, to help release the schedule. Hall became famous after posting his morning routine featuring dunking his head into a bowl of ice water to start his day. He did the same in Wednesday's video, before making the rounds at the Miller Electric Center. Advertisement There was a funny part on the video where he was supposedly on the phone with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before his phone died unexpectedly. However, he couldn't charge it because his charger was broken—a nod to the graphics the team released after defeating the Chargers in the 2022 AFC Wild Card round. Jacksonville Jaguars schedule 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen, left, talks with the team's first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, right, Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. during a press conference. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Jacksonville Jaguars tickets Looking to buy Jaguars tickets for 2025? We've got you covered. Buy Jacksonville Jaguars tickets for 2025 This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars schedule release video features Ashton Hall
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The Jaguars brought in viral morning routine guy Ashton Hall for their 2025 NFL schedule video
The Jaguars brought in viral morning routine guy Ashton Hall for their 2025 NFL schedule video The Jacksonville Jaguars made one of the more clever 2025 NFL schedule release videos, bringing in fitness influencer Ashton Hall to parody his viral morning routine. Hall is a former Alcorn State football player from Jacksonville, making him the perfect star (outside of Jason from The Good Place) for this Jaguars schedule release video. If you're wondering, yes, he brings the bowl of ice water with him. You never know who is going to pop up in these schedule release videos, and Hall deserves to take a bow for how he's willing to poke fun at himself for his admittedly bizarre morning routine that went viral earlier this year. Take a bow, Jaguars.
