Men. Are we an endangered species? As I see more and more boys rather than men or men who while mature don't act like "men" I am beginning to think so. Over-sized boys, and so called men who don't take responsibility are trying to take over the race of men. (When I say men here I mean specifically men and not human kind in general. I don't endorse male superiority any more than I do female superiority. Both sexes have many things to offer each other.)
Now before anyone tries to find me and burn me at the stake, read the rest of this article and give me a chance to explain myself. First I'll address the issue of boys, men who don't take responsibility and finally I'll go on to say what men ought to be.
Over-sized boys come in many varieties: gaming addictions, guys who are too in love with their toys, and guys who just don't want to grow up and take responsibility to name a few. I don't actually have a problem with guys playing games, whether card, board, video, or (gulp) larp (live action role play for those of you unfamiliar with the term. The most common examples being Dungeons and Dragons or variations of medieval reenactment mixed with fantasy). I play the first three types myself from time to time. As long as you don't take it to excess I say game on. Excess can be either playing too much or games that are pornographic, or excessively vulgar or gory. If you can set the game aside within say two minutes to do something else (take care of chores, service, go outside, play with your kids, etc.) then you are okay. (Two minutes should be plenty of time to save your game) Being too in love with your toys follows the same guidelines of gaming. I am all for snowmobiling as long as its priority level remains below family, work and other responsibilities. We all need something to unwind every now and then. Many of these activities are also great ways to spend time with family and build relationships. The bottom line is moderation in all things.
A man ought to be willing to take on responsibility. He ought to be able to take care of not only himself, but also family when he finds a woman to share his life with and begins a family. It's okay to ask others for help, but don't ask others to do your job for you. Also when others ask you to do something or you say that you will, do it. Without exception. True it can be scary to start out on your own and have to "grow up" and be mature, but it is well worth the effort. Don't worry if you are not perfect. Just give your best effort and you will get better, and in the meantime it will be enough.
A man has three primary responsibilities in the home: to provide, preside and to protect. Men are well suited to these duties. We are able to provide and protect because men are typically better than women at putting aside emotion and doing what needs to be done. To preside doesn't mean to dictate. It means to lead. A leader leads by example and listens to those under his charge. He takes responsibility for his group's shortcomings and also for their successes. In presiding, a man's most trusted counselor, and equal partner is his wife. Saying that men are well suited to these duties doesn't mean that women can't do them as well. I've said before that men and women need to work together and in some cases do the other's "job".
We each have natural abilities that we need to use to benefit all around us. Whatever those gifts are use them. You won't have all of them but someone else will have the gifts that you lack and it is by working together that we are complete.
If you get tired of being in school for engineering, you could be a journalist. Or you could be a journalist while in school, then buy yourself a snowmobile!
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