Failure: Yet one more viral video to unteach and unlearn.

By now, you have probably seen the response making the waves by the USA Men’s Hockey Team responding to a phone call from the President of The United States. If you haven’t, let me explain it a bit.

The US Men’s Hockey Team won the Gold Medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. It was an amazing (fucking amazing). An overtime win against our largest rival – Canada to secure the Gold medal. It was great! I celebrated on social media and so did so many I know.

Fast forward a few hours and cell phone footage emerges from the locker room where the men were celebrating and received a congratulatory phone call from the President. The President invited the team to the White House as is customary for any sitting President to invite athletes who achieve greatness. Fuck yeah! So deserved. Following that invitation however, was a disappointed mention that he would have to invite the National Women’s Hockey Team for their Gold medal (earned in the same way – versus Canada in Overtime). That disappointment was clear (because they were women) and subsequently celebrated by the men with cheers and laughter.

I paused on this and reflected. Why did this bother me as much as it did. I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one. I read a comment on social media about the men ending up as the biggest losers even after winning their biggest achievement since 1980. I wouldn’t go as far as that but it still fucking bothered me. Why?

Buzzwords come to mind as I was seeking an answer. Unity, American, Pride, Toxic, Locker Room talk, etc. But couldn’t find it. Then I asked myself this question.

Is it possible to win without demeaning others? The answer is a resounding, yes.

Obviously there was a defeat. Canada lost. And they wore it on their faces (Nathan Mackinnon). There was the victory. That was the defeat. That is what brought all of the US to our feet in celebration.

I know there will be many contrary arguments – especially from those who believe “Grab her by the pussy” is simply locker room talk. For fuck sakes – I ask myself. Can men BE men? I know for a fact, as a man, that not every man in that room feels that way toward women.

The women’s Gold medal is not valued less than the men’s. It did not come with less games played, less minutes played. Men have a responsibility to uplift women. What’s funny is that when I google “what is a man’s responsibility” it states, being a provider, protector, and leader, focusing on accountability for his actions and nurturing the well-being of his family.

There was a missed opportunity for leadership in that moment, and I hope they take manly next steps to take accountability for their behavior. Just one more fucking thing I have to unteach the boys when it relates to being a man, as men in their world can’t seem to remember how to act like one when the camera’s on. Drink. Chug, Get drunk. Have sex. Whatever comes with celebration. But don’t demean someone else so that your win (or “Gold”) feels that much better. United We Stand, United We Win.

Thanks for taking time to read! As family blog, I feel it is important to post on any hot topic relating to family.

Arrivederci.