Zach Stafford over at The Guardian wrote an opinion piece about how manhood is an outdated idea and the cause of most of the world’s…

Zach Stafford over at The Guardian wrote an opinion piece about how manhood is an outdated idea and the cause of most of the world’s problems. He claims that lack of understanding about women is the root cause of violence and misogynistic attitudes in today’s society.

Let’s clear up a couple of things right now. Bad behavior towards women is a choice made by men who do not deserve the right to use the noun. It does not originate from a lack of historical reference (quit looking for excuses.) Proper men don’t treat women poorly. They are not trying to shore up their pathetic excuse for self-confidence and value by belittling or abusing women. It simple, they don’t do it because it’s wrong.

As for having their manhood impugned and threatened, any man who’s manhood can be threatened should go out and just admit to the world they’re compensating for their inadequacies. To those “men” who feel the need to defend their manhood through overt action I say grow the hell up. You’re not impressing anyone, least of all any women.

Our society spends too much time looking for external causes and excuses for behavior so we don’t have to take responsibility for our own actions. A man takes responsibility for his choices. He teaches his sons and other young men to do the same. He does not declare the fraternity of men at fault as a way to water down responsibility.

Men and women are different. Neither better nor worse…just different. Respecting that difference without negatively impacting the other is a challenge, but that’s part of growing up. Unfortunately far too many men have failed to recognize the value and impact being a “good man” can have. I’m not referring to the “don’t be a wuss” mindset, no rather the “being a gentleman has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me.”

Hold doors. Shake hands. Introduce yourself. Show respect to your elders (even if you’re 46 like me). Do the right thing and don’t do the wrong. Common sense and common courtesy should be the rule rather than the exception. Be the man you would be proud to know and want to associate with. Accept responsibility and exercise introspection to learn more about your own failings and deal with them.

A young man impresses in small but important ways. A hotshot athlete may impress on the sports field, but if that young man also holds the door for someone without being asked or assists someone when they need assistance without a complaint…that’s a young man on the road to being a good man.

So to Mr. Stafford I say this: if your definition of manhood is as narrow as what you outline in your article then yes, your definition needs to go. However if you’re willing to adopt the classic meaning of manhood, then you may want to rethink your position.

Zach Stafford at The Guardian:

It’s time to do away with the concept of ‘manhood’ altogether

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