This is a fascinating thread and something I've been pondering for years. To be honest, it's because I'm not sure I've ever felt like a man. And I guess it's because of what society and the constructs that have conveyed (up until recently) that a man is tall, strong, dominant, unemotional, unwavering, strict, and a whole host of other adjectives that describe what many might ascribe to the "alpha male". So for that I don't feel like a man in the way most of society views a man.
Now I am most certainly male. I have broad shoulders. I am relatively strong for my short stature. I have facial hair and a somewhat low, booming voice. But those things simply make me male, not necessarily a "man".
I think the definition of what being a man is, is a social construct and as such changes with generations. The idea of what a man was in the 40s is quite different from what was thought of in the 80s and an even greater contrast from what we see from millenials who are in their early 20s and what their idea of what a man is.
I did a search on "what does it mean to be a man" and got some interesting articles that will give some food for thought especially how it relates to dressing. However, I know Lucy's original post asked for our opinion by asking:
1 yes, it does but the meaning of a man and male are two different things to me.Originally Posted by Lucy23
2 I think society's expectations are a construct and place an unusually difficult gauntlet to traverse without becoming an asshole in the process.
3 I think being a male provides ease and privilege that women don't have. In that regard it is both a hinderance and gift.
4 Yes, there is much joy my life as male.
5 Yes, my life is pretty bland but I don't think it has anything to do with being male. I think it has to do with being an accountant.
