Perhaps authentic masculinity is misunderstood.
Reading multiple, glaring and blaring cultural messages a young man may easily think a “real” man is measured in sports abilities, in physical strength, or in demonstrating a lack of empathy.
He may think it’s the refusal to reveal “soft” emotions, or to cry, or he may believe masculinity is related to levels of alcohol consumption, the ability to impress women, deceive his parents, or defy authority.
I’d suggest “real” masculinity is reflected willingness and capacity to live by and speak the truth.
It’s expressed when a boy requests respected people to help him with his blind spots so he may increase his awareness of how his life impacts others.
It’s the willingness to forgive others and to seek forgiveness from those he has wronged. It’s to learn from past errors. It’s to desire authentic humility and to seek opportunities to serve others.
Masculinity is values-driven, not peer or pressure or muscle-driven.
Masculinity protects the weak, the helpless, and speaks up for the underdog.
It seeks the highest good of all others, female and male.
Masculinity wins without gloating, loses without blaming.
It’s to learn to love art, reading, and writing.
It’s to appreciate the difference between legitimate and illegitimate authority.
It’s to find a voice and to use it wisely.
It’s to enjoy and communicate with parents.
It’s to love and develop skills and talents so that all may benefit.
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