Heart

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I would say "Heart"...actually "Good Heart". Okay, that's two words I know, but at the very core, if a man doesn't have a good heart, then nothing else matters."

Word: Heart
Occupation: Computer IT Consultant
Age: 48
From: Kansas City, M

Man sitting at a table with empty glasses near him.

Do you wish you were more masculine? Why or why not?

"When I first came out. It was kinda hard for me to mesh being masculine with being gay. Because It was the way, I was brought up. All gay men were lisping, effeminate, and there was no way they could be considered masculine, but as I got older and as I have met more people and just with my life experiences, I have learned I am very secure with myself. I am happy with who I am you know; I guess I am somewhere on the spectrum of what I would consider masculine vs. feminine. I think I have a lot of both traits. I think it's very important to be well rounded and have traits that society would consider traditionally masculine, and traditionally feminine. You know, I don't give a flip now, I kinda assume every knows I am gay. I am a good person. Whether people like me or not it doesn't define me. You know I happen to be gay. I am Michael and I happen to be gay. You know that doesn't define me. I am also a volunteer, I love animals, I am all for the pet, dog, and cat rescue movement. I love traveling. I love camping, but I also have a very sensitive side. I don't really care to be any more masculine. So I guess to answer your question no I do not wish I am more masculine. I am finally at a place where I am good where I am at."

~

When was a moment when you felt very masculine.

"There was a time many years ago when I was being picked on because I was gay and I stood up for myself. I told the other person to bully off. I was bullied all throughout high school and finally I had had enough. I was in my late twenties and was being picked on yet again....and I let him have it. I felt really good for being able to stand up for myself and not take the bull shit anymore. I guess it is important to be able to stand up for yourself. "

~

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say, my dad. He has always been there for our family. He was never one to really express his feelings but I always knew that he loved me, even when I came out as gay."

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Self-Control

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would if be and why?

"I would choose self-control. Proverbs 25:28(paraphrased) says "A man without self-control is like a city without walls." I believe a man with self-control can thrive in the other qualities of being a man. To have self-control is to have a heart that is secure and fortified from everything that attacks and brings down a man."

Word: Self-control
Occupation: Photographer( http://www.stevewillisphoto.com )
Age: 44
From: Kansas City, Missouri

Man holding a sign that says self-control.

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say Mike Bickle. Rare is the man who actually practices what he preaches, Mike does this with excellence. For decades this man has prayed six hours a day, loved his wife well, leads incredibly, and is humble."

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Astonishing

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"Astonishing"

Word: Astonishing
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 30
From: Copenhagen

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Salman Khan. He's an actor in India. He is the manliest person because he respects all others, specially older people, and women."

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Empathy

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word what would it be and why?

"I would choose empathy because it gets you a long way as any gender."

Word: Empathy
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
Age: 28
From: Sweden

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Me."

Loyal

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I chose loyal because it's always good to be loyal to someone or something."

Word: Loyal
Occupation: Green County Hwy Dept.
Age: 46
From: Strafford, MO

Man sitting on a motorcycle holding a sign that says loyal.

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Integrity

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

This man chose not to disclose his reason.

Word: Integrity
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 45
From: Springfield, MO

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Honorable

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"You are only as good as your word."

Word: Honorable
Occupation: Trucker/Biker
Age: 47
From: Republic, MO

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Awesome

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I would choose awesome because we are awesome."

Word: Awesome
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 55
From: Fordland: MO

Man sitting on a motorcycle holding a sign that says awesome.

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Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

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During these very unique times of life, hardship for many humans is being created due to the pandemic. I felt it would be an appropriate time to ask for the wisdom of men whom I respect to answer questions around how to handle hardship and difficult times.

The way it is formatted is I will introduce each man who has answered the questions and you will also see ways to find out more about them as well.

I hope you find encouragement, wisdom, and hope in the answers written to these questions.

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What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

The Start

What is masculinity? This question is a core reason why I started this blog and photography project here at The Man Effect. I have been pursuing and exploring this question for years. I love it and the ramifications on my life it has had.

Masculinity, manliness, and the nature of men are not only something that I believe every human should take the time to ponder on. As humans, it is also something we should conceptualize and analyze the belief of how men exist and represent themselves in immediate and extended communities.

Moving forward, I think it would be appropriate to build some foundation of a definition before we proceed with the importance and impact this question can and does have on our lives if we are open to going down this path.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Questioning what it means to be a man is something that I would consider to be a foundation to this website. So, in honor of that, I decided to compile 15 questions about masculinity that I have seen and heard asked often.

Now, before we jump into these questions, I would like to explain how the answers were created. I chose to ask four men who I respect to take time and share their wisdom. The next thing I will do is introduce them so you know a bit about the men behind these words.

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“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. “ ~ Chantal Sutherland

Testosterone

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would ti be and why?

He chose not to give his why.

Word: Testosterone
Occupation: Self
Age: 41
From: Republic, MO

Muscular man holding a a sign that says testosterone while standing by a motorcycle.

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Pride

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"All men have pride and make it very obvious."

Word: Pride
Occupation: Carhop Sonic Drive-In
Age: 18
From: Kansas City, MO

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Blacksmith

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

This man chose not to write down an answer to why he chose that word. I tried to get it out of him but what he was saying I could not follow.

Word: Blacksmith
Occupation: Roofer/Forklift Driver/ Prayer of Church
Age: 57
From: Kansas City, MO

Man holding a sign that says blacksmith.

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Father

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would be and why?

"I would choose father because my daughter is getting married in 3 hours."

Word: Father
Occupation: Psychologist
Age: 59
From: Wichita, KS

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Image

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I was thinking that "man is created in the image of God"! That is what I strive to do in life so others that see me won't see me but the one for whom saved my life nearly fifty years ago. "For I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Word: Image
Occupation: Retired
Age: 60
From: Independence, MO

Man leaning against a wall holding a sign that says image.

Anything

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"There's been a good amount of back and forth on what being a man is, it's a hot topic now of course. I think there's a fair amount of freedom in the title now, despite the politics around it, or at least I find there to be."

Word: Anything
Occupation: Art Student(Painting)
Age: 20
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man sitting in the grass holding a sign saying anything.

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As much as it may seem out of the traditional scope of what being a man is, there is nothing I find more valuable than being neat and tidy about my time. Personally and professionally, I attribute nearly all of my abilities to show up as a man to my discipline within my calendar. And so, this is why I wanted to share with you that us men should always strive to manage our time better, and why.

Is Masculinity Part of Male Identity?

If you were to ask a couple of men to give you their own definition of masculinity, what are the odds that you’ll end up with the same answer? You’re guessing right: a good, round zero. Neither you nor anyone else will ever be taught at school, or in a manual, what masculinity precisely means, and that is for a good reason. Because we can be a man in so many different ways, each one of us has to come up with his own definition, see if it holds any value, and these types of variables are exactly what started me on my journey.

Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

This is and has been a fascinating month for me personally and one I will look back upon in the future with a smile and a warm heart.

You see, for years I have worked on, spent countless hours, had endless conversations, and wondered why I continue devoting myself to The Man Effect. In this pursuit I have desired to encourage others, find answers for myself, and just be a man who is passionate about life.

12 Questions And Answers About Living Through Hard Times

During these very unique times of life, hardship for many humans is being created due to the pandemic. I felt it would be an appropriate time to ask for the wisdom of men whom I respect to answer questions around how to handle hardship and difficult times.

The way it is formatted is I will introduce each man who has answered the questions and you will also see ways to find out more about them as well.

I hope you find encouragement, wisdom, and hope in the answers written to these questions.

Thoughts and discussion around self-forgiveness.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself?” It is a difficult and amazing question all at the same time. Recently, after one of the darkest years of my life, I have started to ask myself this question a lot and I am amazed by the amount of impact it has had on me.

What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

The Start

What is masculinity? This question is a core reason why I started this blog and photography project here at The Man Effect. I have been pursuing and exploring this question for years. I love it and the ramifications on my life it has had.

Masculinity, manliness, and the nature of men are not only something that I believe every human should take the time to ponder on. As humans, it is also something we should conceptualize and analyze the belief of how men exist and represent themselves in immediate and extended communities.

Moving forward, I think it would be appropriate to build some foundation of a definition before we proceed with the importance and impact this question can and does have on our lives if we are open to going down this path.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Questioning what it means to be a man is something that I would consider to be a foundation to this website. So, in honor of that, I decided to compile 15 questions about masculinity that I have seen and heard asked often.

Now, before we jump into these questions, I would like to explain how the answers were created. I chose to ask four men who I respect to take time and share their wisdom. The next thing I will do is introduce them so you know a bit about the men behind these words.

Lessons I've learned from a traumatic brain injury and why discomfort in life is so important.

I am writing this article for two predominant reasons. One, so I can have a tangible point of reference when I reflect upon this season of life I have been through. Two, the possibility that the lessons I have learned may inspire one person to not give up on life as struggles confront them.

“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. “ ~ Chantal Sutherland

Responsible

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"Being responsible is a big part in being a man. It's everyone's job to be responsible, but typically men hold most of the responsibilities in a household. Everyone has responsibilities to fulfill, and its all apart of being human."

Word: Responsible
Occupation: Bringer of the Pizza
Age: 20
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man holding a sign saying responsible.

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Thoughts around why life will never be fair to you.

I honestly feel a bit like an old grumpy man writing this, even though I am in my early thirties it has become extremely apparent to me that there is this mystical belief ingrained in western societies that everything we desire should be handed to us on a silver platter and when things don’t work out exactly how we want, then the best resort is to become a victim and not look deeply into the fact that our lives literally mean nothing to this world and we are entitled nothing.

Men should manage their time better and here are 3 reasons why.

As much as it may seem out of the traditional scope of what being a man is, there is nothing I find more valuable than being neat and tidy about my time. Personally and professionally, I attribute nearly all of my abilities to show up as a man to my discipline within my calendar. And so, this is why I wanted to share with you that us men should always strive to manage our time better, and why.

Is Masculinity Part of Male Identity?

If you were to ask a couple of men to give you their own definition of masculinity, what are the odds that you’ll end up with the same answer? You’re guessing right: a good, round zero. Neither you nor anyone else will ever be taught at school, or in a manual, what masculinity precisely means, and that is for a good reason. Because we can be a man in so many different ways, each one of us has to come up with his own definition, see if it holds any value, and these types of variables are exactly what started me on my journey.

Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

This is and has been a fascinating month for me personally and one I will look back upon in the future with a smile and a warm heart.

You see, for years I have worked on, spent countless hours, had endless conversations, and wondered why I continue devoting myself to The Man Effect. In this pursuit I have desired to encourage others, find answers for myself, and just be a man who is passionate about life.

12 Questions And Answers About Living Through Hard Times

During these very unique times of life, hardship for many humans is being created due to the pandemic. I felt it would be an appropriate time to ask for the wisdom of men whom I respect to answer questions around how to handle hardship and difficult times.

The way it is formatted is I will introduce each man who has answered the questions and you will also see ways to find out more about them as well.

I hope you find encouragement, wisdom, and hope in the answers written to these questions.

Thoughts and discussion around self-forgiveness.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself?” It is a difficult and amazing question all at the same time. Recently, after one of the darkest years of my life, I have started to ask myself this question a lot and I am amazed by the amount of impact it has had on me.

What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

The Start

What is masculinity? This question is a core reason why I started this blog and photography project here at The Man Effect. I have been pursuing and exploring this question for years. I love it and the ramifications on my life it has had.

Masculinity, manliness, and the nature of men are not only something that I believe every human should take the time to ponder on. As humans, it is also something we should conceptualize and analyze the belief of how men exist and represent themselves in immediate and extended communities.

Moving forward, I think it would be appropriate to build some foundation of a definition before we proceed with the importance and impact this question can and does have on our lives if we are open to going down this path.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Questioning what it means to be a man is something that I would consider to be a foundation to this website. So, in honor of that, I decided to compile 15 questions about masculinity that I have seen and heard asked often.

Now, before we jump into these questions, I would like to explain how the answers were created. I chose to ask four men who I respect to take time and share their wisdom. The next thing I will do is introduce them so you know a bit about the men behind these words.

Lessons I've learned from a traumatic brain injury and why discomfort in life is so important.

I am writing this article for two predominant reasons. One, so I can have a tangible point of reference when I reflect upon this season of life I have been through. Two, the possibility that the lessons I have learned may inspire one person to not give up on life as struggles confront them.

“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. “ ~ Chantal Sutherland