The Oxford Dictionary defines the term masculinity as qualities or attributes regarded as characteristics of men or boys. It is a noun according to the dictionary.

Masculinity is a social or cultural context noun. That means the meaning of the noun can change over time regarding any particular characteristic. It seems many men including $47 and his billionaire/millionaire cronies have forgotten what is truly masculine. Day three, and I’m feeling a little saucy. I’m going to offer my opinions on what is masculine.

In prehistory masculine characteristics were defined by physical characteristics needed to keep the species alive and to evolve and adapt to survival. An early female would be looking for a mate that had strength, speed, skill, and or abilities to make tools, shelter, etc. Physical appearance was not a prerequisite as the female would be seeking physical traits that would be a good match for her traits. This would give their offspring a better chance to survive. The animal kingdom is no different as the strongest and most agile males fight for the opportunity to mate with the strongest and best females.

We don’t live in prehistoric times. We live in a time where these characteristics are secondary to many other factors. These other factors may include: hair color, eye color, jaw line, fitness, wealth, fashion, social values, or any number of cultural expectations or norms that surround a group of people. Honestly, I find most of these factors to be trivial and culturally irrelevant in a society that is supposed to value partnership, and emotional bonds. However, our society is to hung up on appearance and possessions rather than emotional bonds and equality. Here are some common commercials selling the idea of masculine on television: Erectile dysfunction medication, Hair Loss Treatments, Fashion (underwear/sportswear/formalwear,) Soap, Cologne, Vehicles, Tools, Beer, Spirits etc. Really? I have bad self esteem and all, but my hairline doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things.

This label of masculinity varies by subculture in the United States. Men who like to wear big belt buckles, dirty jeans, cowboy hats, collect guns, drive big trucks, brag about hunting this or than and listen to country music loudly, drink one specific type of beer, complain about wokeness, and refer to their wives or girl friends as their women is admired greatly by the rural man as masculine. Men who wear expensive designer suits, earn millions in law or business, own a sports or luxury car, and own a loft/condo in the city may be considered masculine in a large metropolitan area. Both are stereotypes. Why be a stereotype when one can be their original self. Is any of that really masculine?

No! It isn’t. If you think masculinity is based on possessions, strength, image, toughness, money you have, power over others, how intimidating you are, then you are a primitive thinker and don’t belong in any area where leadership is needed. All of these traits lack true character..

Masculinity requires humility, sacrifice, service, dedication, truth, responsibility, love, tenderness, leadership, and drive. The modern man needs to put their primitive self behind and learn how to be comfortable in their own skin. I don’t think $47 is comfortable in his own skin. He is too worried about being seen as powerful. Same is true of Metaman, Tesladude, Amazonboy, and the podcast roguemeister. If intimidation and greed are masculine then why do you get so temperamental when one is criticized or mocked for being arrogant or cowardly for not taking responsibility?

Humility is something all of them have lost. Everything is about them. Nothing they promote places anyone in front of them. What sacrifices have they made? They bury anyone around them to stay on top? Do they have healthy relationships with anyone? Are they really happy? What service and dedication do they have for anything other than their wealth and business? What is their truth? Who do they love, lift up, and feel responsible for except themselves? Where is their tenderness in leadership? How do they collaborate? Why is their wealth, business, and their personal power the only thing that drives them? Where is the compassion? Why are they so uncomfortable in their own skin that they have to behave in this crazy manner of rudeness? Maybe counseling or therapy is in order?

A true masculine man will make his family (partner and children) his number one priority. He will sacrifice and give what he can for all. A masculine man is completely comfortable in their own skin, and vanity is for others. A masculine man does not worry about rewards (financial or otherwise) until everyone is taken care of around them. A masculine man will treat everyone around them with grace, dignity, and confidence. A masculine man will lead by example from behind. A masculine man will sacrifice everything so those closest to him will be safe, cared for and protected. A masculine man will lift others to great heights and celebrate them. A masculine man will demonstrate tenderness with his children as they are looking to him for guidance and love. Finally, a masculine man will tell the truth and take responsibility for any transgressions he made and many times what others made in order to protect those he loves most.

Personally, I aspire to be this man. I have failed many times. I get up and pursue it yet again. I know I’m not alone. I do know men and a few women who embody the grace of this type of masculinity. They serve our country in the armed services. They are gay. They are straight. They are agnostic, atheist, or Christian. They are musicians, painters, artists, craftsmen, businessmen, teachers, and even politicians. Not one of them is wildly wealthy or incredibly famous. They all place everyone first, and themselves second.

The facade of masculinity being portrayed by current U.S. leadership is one of cowardice. It is quantified by obscene wealth and nothing else. There isn’t any compassion, tenderness, truth, or sacrifice being made by the lot. This facade of masculinity is all about them. This demonstration of insecure masculinity is the worst kind of man. One hell bent on being power absolute and absolutely powerful. Their personality is weak. They don’t have functional relationships. Their entire image is two-dimensional. The whole lot lack humility and grace.

If you want a masculine example from politics I give you the late President Jimmy Carter. There is no man more masculine than Jimmy Carter in my opinion. He is/was the standard of humility, service, sacrifice, grace, and on and on… If you don’t believe me go to Plains, GA. Go see for yourself. Then go visit the mansions and skyscrapers of the rich and decadent. Tell me, who worked harder for his family and the people of this planet than him? with his wife? and children?

For the record, I will never whine on twitter (X,) facebook, truth social, snapchat, instagram, or even a blog when a revered clergymen or clergywoman asks me to show compassion for the powerless and grace for the less fortunate. As a humanist, I would consider all of those things anyway. I’m just happy to hear a Christian utter those words to $47. He needed a little churching up… …so much masculinity… getting his weave all rumpled up by a true Christian…

…so it goes…