Over the past few years of inquiring upon the society around me, reading, and observing life, in general, I do believe there are positive qualities when it comes to masculinity. I have seen, though, an indirect agenda to tear down anything to do with masculinity, which bugs me. I do understand that there have been male chauvinists, bigots, and elitists, but this does not mean all men are this way or that everything to do with masculinity is negative. It is my belief that there are aspects of masculinity that are positive. Yes, humanity overall has these qualities, but I feel that there are certain aspects of this socially constructed gender role that is beneficial to society.
Here is a simple list of qualities that I hope everyone can agree they would like to see more of in men today! This is not a how-to writing rather just an observation article.
>Security for children.<
There is something so heartwarming when a man is a safe place for children. The ramifications of children feeling secure for emotional development is imperative.
>Self-Sacrifice<
The epic stories of past men are filled with men who sacrificed their life for the benefit of those around them. Self-sacrifice for those whom you love, are helpless, or are unseen is a fundamental element of healthy masculinity. Thinking about others above yourself. I struggle with this one personally but hope to grow in this area.
>Stability<
Men whom I respect and would call masculine predominantly seem to exude this calm atmosphere of security. It is as though when around them there is a calmness and sense of strength I feel from them. I think this is an essential component and good aspect of masculinity.
>Patience<
There is nothing more respectable and important in my opinion than a man who knows when to be patient. Men whom I have interfaced with who are patient seem to bring a flavor to life than few do.
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear, and obstacles vanish. John Quincy Adams
>Affectionate<
Men who can show affection not only reveal to me that they are secure in their identity they also expose the importance to this aspect of life. Men who are openly affectionate in a tasteful way bring a richness to life that I personally feel is lacking in the current culture I live in.
I know these are simple attributes, but I thought it would be fun to write about, and I think it is necessary to acknowledge that which is important.
What are some positive qualities of masculinity that you have observed?
Here is what my friends from facebook said when I asked this through my status.
What are some positive qualities of masculinity and why?
>> Ryan said: I believe that one positive trait of masculinity is self-assurance...it's considered a positive trait as for many generations it has resulted in men having a dream and following through with that dream in order to support those that they hold dear whilst also furthering the ambitions of the human race. Without self-assured males, we'd be much worse off as a species. In recent generations, though, we have many self-assured females who have taken that masculine trend and utilised it effectively...we owe much to female scientists who refused to see that self-assured trait as a solely masculine one (one might consider Marie Curie as a prime example). That self-assurance must always be objective, though, or it runs the risk of being harmful...as long as one objectively applies a positive quality, positivity will come of it. I think that males, these days, could do with a little more self-belief in order to make the most of that fire in their hearts. For many, that self-belief is lost and given little room to thrive.
>> Summer: Strength especially when used in protecting the weak and helpless!! With great power comes great responsibility.
>>Rory: Integrity because you can trust they will do what they say they will do!
>>Mary: Gentleness. I think because it draws out the best in people around you. It is also a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23). King David in the Psalms (18:35) said of the Lord, "...Your gentleness has made me great." There was something in the way the Lord treated David that helped pull him into his destiny.
>>Amy: Facial Hair...cause we can't grow it.
>>Patrick: Gallantry, self-sacrifice, protecting the weak and innocent.
I hope you take time to comment and share!
Cheers,
Timothy
