Remember Mr. Darcy?
In the world of literature, no one can attest that he’s a heartthrob. He’s a
true-blue gentleman who makes women swoon because of his simple yet heartfelt
acts.
In the prehistoric
times, men were viewed as the panacea to most dilemmas of the society. While
women played significant roles, such roles varied from what the men were
supposed to do. From security against wild animals down to the provision of
food, men were anticipated to be as robust as they could be. However, as time
evolved, the concept of manliness likewise underwent a few alterations.
The beauty tools
which used to be untouchable and flagrant now became normal. Having the
consciousness that being busy is not an excuse to looking sloppy, men now go
through hair treatments and facials to name a few. One can now walk brandishing
a pink shirt without being called names.
Despite the
convenience of this concept alteration, it’s still best not to totally deviate
from some of the things left by men in the past. For me, a man should not gauge
his manliness based on what others dictate. Men-should-be-like-this statements
should be used as mere guidelines but what matters is if such statements speak
for someone’s identity and aspirations. I have no problem with men doing things
befitting women because in today’s age, interchanges in roles are regarded as
normative.
Just like in the
film Taken 2, it’s Kim’s turn to save her father from the hands of a man
yearning for revenge. If you will remember in the preceding film, former CIA
operative Bryan went through a perilous schlep to save his daughter Kim who was
abducted and trafficked. One of the reasons why Taken 1 became a hit was its
depiction of a father’s unremitting love for his daughter.
The film’s a
reminder that regardless of today’s liberal views, men can still preserve the
concept of manliness by being chivalrous or compassionate to other people. It
does not mean that one has to be a doormat. At times, it’s the simple things
that matter like opening the door for an elderly or resisting the need to raise
one’s voice in the midst of heated arguments. I believe that being a man does
not equate to being Mr. Stone. Instead, manliness is radiated when one shows
concern and courtesy.
Like Kojie.san
Men’s advocacy, to be a man is to be a lover and fighter – both. For more
information on how to be an applaud-worthy man, head on to Kojie.san Men’s Facebook
page.
How do you define manliness?
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