A Tribute to Masculinity

Think back to the golden age of our fathers, when bearded men talked of football and manliness was sexy.



Males lived for the outdoors- hunting, fishing, and playing sports were all expected of a youth. Kids were given army men and matchbox cars to play with.


Here are a few questions to consider-


Why is it now that being "manly" is politically incorrect?

Nowadays, what makes a man what he is?

What is the image that we will strive to achieve in the year 2010?

Why is Chuck Norris the blunt of so many jokes?






Over the years, fashion changes. Nowadays, the rugged look is totally out.

Here's an example of this-



See the difference? One has a moustache and the other one doesn't.

Facial hair is not sexy anymore.

Body hair is not sexy anymore.


I picked up an issue of Men's Health Magazine the other day and was surprised to see a huge picture of a man shaving his chest and similar articles on why you should shave off your back hair.




I thought for sure that Men's Health would defend manhood but no; they endorsed the self-mutilation that is full body hair removal.







My parents thought I was crazy, maybe even borderlying homosexual


My parents told me about what it was like when they grew up, when people were embarrassed if they couldn't grow body hair.


They reflected on the sex symbols of their time such as






TODAY, things are quite different.



Many of us grew up during the time of the teenage girl heartthrob so-called "boy bands"




In the last few years, we've witnessed the birth of the emo culture in which rail thin guys appear more feminine via their hairstyles and eye makeup.




I'm not saying that this is for the better or worse, but there definitely is a change to be noted.





AND WHO'S TO BLAME FOR ALL THIS?

I blame this jerk right here-





Yeah that's right, a Ken doll

We never hear much about what the kind of impact the Ken doll has on young girls.



Ken isn't particular muscular, he has a kind of swimmer's build. And would you look at that... no body or facial hair whatsoever!

When little girls grow up with this image of a "handsome man" it should come at no surprise that this becomes the expectations for a man.






I hope I provided some insight into our ever-changing culture.



Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to hit the gym, watch some football, and then comb my beard