What does it mean to be a Man?

Jason Morgan

Much like a chimera, being a man can be defined in so many different ways. Simplistically, being a man has to do with genetics. Merely having XY chromosomes will not yield what most people would externally recognize as a man (having male body characteristics). We all start out in the womb looking like females, and it is later in the embryonic development process that the male traits begin to unfold. So there are some things that could go wrong and the individual, while genetically a man, may turn out to be “female” in appearance.

Keeping along the physiological track, men are destined to live hard and die young. That is not to say this is how things are done in our modern cultures. All too often humans forget that they are indeed mammals created by and of this planet to exist on this planet. Men and women have different strengths and weaknesses for good reason, with the intent to split up the necessary duties to perpetuate our species, just like any other animal. Anthropologically, it is assumed that the physical characteristics of men indicated that their place in pre-agricultural societies was to hunt and protect their group. Unfortunately, due to our extraordinary mental growth, we have metamorphosed the skills of hunting and protecting into conquest and war for resources. This is not outside evolution, however, as only the strong are meant to survive. The world of the living is harsh and difficult, and is meant to be by natural law, in order to ensure that the best from each species pass on their genetic code, for those will have the highest probability of future survival.

A man defining what it means to be a man will most likely evoke emotions of chauvinism from our better halves. Despite the flak we may all receive for this, I believe a man is meant to be one who assumes responsibility for his actions and destiny, and if he is in a position of authority, does the same for those who he is responsible. It is pointless to discuss the varying traits of character involved in manhood for those things are based entirely on the culture in which the individual lives take part. So I am reticent to go on about whether a man should do this or that.

Gregory Rineberg

Hmm…what does it mean to be a man? A man takes responsibilities for his actions, no matter how retarded they may be. A man doesn’t point and make excuses, he recognizes and fixes if allowed. A man shows emotion. Has a job providing for himself. If he has a family, a man provided for them first and foremost. A man is truthful even though the truth hurts. A man is kind in the face of adversity and doesn’t freak out. Treats all people with respect no matter how hard it may be. It is important to continually improve yourself, whether physically or intellectually. Maybe wrestling with bears and lions can constitute one’s manhood. But definitely having hair on your chest (which I have) and having your balls descend (…still waiting…) helps in determining your manhood. That’s all I gots…

Jack Gamble

The man is a slave born into bondage by the opposite. First, he’s a prisoner inside woman’s dungenous womb. Then, upon escape, he is quickly abducted and unconditionally shackled to mother for the first few years. Afterwards he is sent to school where overbearing teachers, mostly women, force the tortures of math, science, and language upon him. Upon maturity, man becomes a slave to the pursuit of women. Bar fights, expensive drinks, flashy cars, chest out, arms back…all for the women. Every man will admit that his stupidest act was performed in pursuit of women in some way or another. Once he finally “gets” one, his fate is truly sealed. His illusion of independence is removed. He does shameful, unmanly things like shopping and ballroom dancing not because he wants to, but because he’ll not hear the bitching and moaning if he refuses. Then, upon his golden years, man dies out of desperation to escape the bonds of women. Finally following through with a slow death. A death begotten of women from the very moment we’re born. That’s what it means to be a man.

“That and a pair of testicles.” ~Lebowksi

Greg Molyneux

Respect. Respect that is earned through determination, integrity, leadership and sacrifice. A man is made not by entitlement or circumstance. A man is made by his own hands. A man is made not by a wallet or possessions. A man is made by the company he keeps.

To earn respect a man-child must perpetually overcome. Overcome his fears, overcome his desire and overcome his imperfections. A man must learn through failure and thrive through strife; and a man must never stop failing and never stop thriving. This is the genesis of respect.

Jeff Ruemeli

Dirt. One word and endless possibilities. This is not one man’s pleasure but rather it’s every man’s desire. I love dirt and I love my endless power over tons of dirt I can move and manipulate. For I am a MAN! I get dirty and I like it, No…I love it. The earth is massive and filled with dirt, running through it’s veins, tons of dirt. Like the Earth’s blood, dirt, splattered on my cloths and skin with nothing around me but the shear horror and carnage of what I am creating. I have the power to move dirt. It is my will to power. My carnal desire is to exude my power over the world around me. It tries to push back but my resolve is unwavering and I, a man’s man, plunge ever deeper into the earth’s crust to extract exactly what I want. Dirt. I wanna get dirty.

Andrew Blanco

1. Frank n’ Beans.
2. The ability to piss wherever, and whenever we please.
3. We don’t have to give birth.

Those are the Big 3 in my opinion. But if you want me to get on my man-made pedestal and preach the holy word of the Ideal Man, so be it. It goes something like this:

Man was made in the image of God. God is a creator, and therefor Man is a creator. When Man fails to be creative in life, then Man fails to live up to his Manhood. A pile of rocks are equally as useful to the world as the Man who does not know himself, and his desires: For until we know what we want, we wander in circles of indecision…And what Man can be creative without knowing what they want to create?

Therefore, to be a Man is to have knowledge of one’s desires, the courage to pursue those desires, and the willpower to make real those desires, regardless of obstacles and resistance from others.

And to become the greatest among Men, a Superman, requires nothing short of the ability to lead others along the path of Manhood. Those who lead are our hero’s, our idols. They are the living vision of what we can become if ever we so desire to rise out of our Childhood, and embrace the Manhood that is our destiny. (Toledo, the 2nd Most Interesting Man in the World)