What Makes A Man A Man?

[Soldier]

Originally Posted by rmyounis

Do you think getting married and starting a family is necessary to really "grow up"? I feel like that used to be one of the things a person had to do to be considered a full adult.

No. I know of plenty of immature little boys who are also 40+ year old fathers. Having sex and/or children does not automatically make one an adult or a man. But, many of the things that prove you to be a man, can be easily shown through good fatherhood.

[Moses]

Men, in my experience and studies, in most if not all cultures of the world (I can't speak for all -- I don't know every culture in the world) are builders.

In the past men were conquerers, discovers, etc.

Daniel Boone, George Washington, et al stand out in American history.

Protectors, also, in the physical sense. Men kept away the "bad guys", the wild animals, built walls to hold back the sea, homes to keep out the weather, granaries to fight back hunger.

Men created this, in the old times.

That's not the modern purpose of men in western society.

Men are still builders/creators. We must create art, we must build government, etc., but so do women, now.

What has not changed is Man's position as protector. Now, however, it must not just be wild animals or "bad guys", but those dangers which modern society itself has created, racism, sexism, ignorance, etc.

I'm too tired to be articulate or convincing. I apologize.

-Da Mose

[rmyounis]

Are you guys talking about an objective, universal definition for manliness or just describing what qualities Americans usually associate with being a man?

[howtobrew]

Originally Posted by rmyounis

Do you think getting married and starting a family is necessary to really "grow up"? I feel like that used to be one of the things a person had to do to be considered a full adult.

Well, it's a badge of courage, a badge of honor, a commiseration. When you get married, you find out that you are fallible, and this teaches you humility and discretion. When you have children, you find that there hidden depths to yourself that you had never imagined, like that 30 minutes of Un-by-God-interrupted sleep is more desirable than sex. You also learn that you are fallible, that your words of wisdom are not always believed, and this teaches you humility, discretion, and abdication.

When you have learned these truths, you will transcend to true manhood and be ready for the rest of your life's activity. And this is known as a "hobby".

[Soldier]

Originally Posted by rmyounis

Are you guys talking about an objective, universal definition for manliness or just describing what qualities Americans usually associate with being a man?

Nothing more than my own personal opinions of what it really is to be a man.

[Cipher]

Originally Posted by swordwench

I would have added our ability to achieve mutiple orgasms, but then all you guys would have been so envious you'd never put down the toilet seat.

Who says some of us haven't figured out how to do this ourselves?

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by Moses

That's not the modern purpose of men in western society.

Nah, we just use them for fun and breeding...

[Gav]

So the question is "What makes a man a man"?

I don't believe I've ever seen a "Buy your man here company" - I suppose I just don't hang around in the right areas. I've had a look around the internet and I think that it's best if I don't post any links: whether any of those companies actually make men is open to debate. I suspect that they only re-sell men that they've gotten from other manufacturers. Somewhat strangely I am unable to locate a device for manufacturing men either - I think if you contact Clonaid - they may be able to help you out.

[Gav]

Ohhh - you mean "Which qualities best describe manliness?" Now that is a debate.

[rmyounis]

Answer: Real men have uneven leg muscles.



((shameless cribbing from the Slogan thread, apologies to whoever I'm stealing this from ))

[Pauli]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Nah, we just use them for fun and breeding...

[Maeve_Mari]

Originally Posted by Cipher

Who says some of us haven't figured out how to do this ourselves?

Sign this one up for commendation!

[InweCiryatan]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Nah, we just use them for fun and breeding...

Zilverzmurfen's an amazon zmurf!

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by Cipher
Who says some of us haven't figured out how to do this ourselves?

Originally Posted by Maeve_Mari

Sign this one up for commendation!

Do what for yourselves?

I'm not entirely sure he was referring to the toilet seat, Mari...

[Maeve_Mari]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Do what for yourselves?

I'm not entirely sure he was referring to the toilet seat, Mari...

Errr... That's okay too.

[ThatReallyHurt]

Originally Posted by swordwench

No, no, sweetie... from Jean-Luc Picard (the original alt.sexybaldcaptains), to Agent Skinner on the X-Files, to Vin Diesel - bald *can* be sexy.

Whoo - expect some rep for that (as soon as I distribute some more).

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by Cipher

Who says some of us haven't figured out how to do this ourselves?

Ha! Good for you! Men think I'm crazy when I tell them that they are capable of multiple orgasms.... till I show them how it's done.... (sorry girls I know it's the girl code not to let men in on our secrets, but that one is too much fun not to share).

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by swordwench

The ability to walk in stilletto heels and wear clothes that zip up the back (not counting intro-level fencing jackets), and put on make-up while driving at high speeds.

Not that I've ever done *any* of those things.

That reminds me of a quote I heard once it went something like this.... Everyone talks about Fred Astaire being a great dancer and he is, but we forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did but backwards and in high heels.

[dunastor]

Originally Posted by Fencergrl

till I show them how it's done...

I'm intrigued....

[swordwench]

Me, too... If you share this secret, I might be rewarded with a few extra nights of fencing as compensation.