Who are healthy male role models?
I've been thinking lately about being male and the perceptions of masculinity today and a thought crossed my mind: who are healthy male role models today?
I don't think I'm alone in that my father was a terrible role model, partly because he was an alcoholic and partly because he was largely absent, but mostly because he was withdrawn, passive, and otherwise not in tune with his children.
That said, to whom can boys and men look when it comes to positive role models? What does it mean to be a "good" man today? What are positive masculine traits?
I'm at a loss here and quite confused. Since the '60s and the sexual revolution and feminist movements, the idea of masculinity has been reshaped and readdressed. In many ways, the waters have been muddied. Some perspectives view masculinity as generally negative, while others view it as being in crisis. I'm sure many are just fine with what is considered traditionally masculine.
And these days, there is certainly a lot of focus on "girl power" and continuing making inroads into equality for women. But where do men fit into the picture when they view themselves and their own masculinity?
What are the challenges of being a "good" man today? What makes a "good" man?
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön
Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot
Last edited by Baraka_Guru; 04-21-2010 at 11:56 AM..
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