I was thinking about why some of the post were in a rather negative tone, as if the bad is all there is to a man, you know, wars, patriarchy, violence, crime, oppression, all men want is sex, men are immature boors. When I was growing up I heard that if women run the world, all would be well. As if only the female part can be good. When I trained martial arts I was asked why I wanted to fight and that violence is bad. Certainly it is, but try telling that to those who assault you.
Maybe I've jump to a conclusion that the implied negative tone is a result of that a little bit prematurely. If that is the case, I'm really sorry. And maybe it's just me, my occupation (I work in the media), and where I live in that just distort my view of the world. But I'm tired of those stereotypes.
I couldn't shake the feeling that in order to be good you have to shed masculinity. I've tried to suppress that and it led to sadness and depression. Only after I've become more comfortable with who I am I could see that strength could be an asset used in many good ways. That's why I was surprised in a good way that the majority of the posts were positive, and echoed good traits about being a man.
And again, I mean no disrespect to anyone, I was just trying to understand. That's why I'm asking these questions, to gain perspective.
Bonnie, is that better?
