It isn’t about adherence to one set of values for me.
I don’t like soccer or football but I love MMA. I love poetry and long walks but I also like playing games on my console. I love to lift heavy weights and enjoy visiting museums and zoos.
I can’t fix an engine but I can listen and have a smile for everyone who hoves into view. I know my purpose and what scares me. I have preferences and dislikes but I prefer to share the former than the latter.
I think compassion is more a show of strength than hatred. I enjoy being hairy and seeing my muscles grow. I like being strong and having big rough hands. I like opening jars when I’m asked and doors when I’m not. I like my belly and my shaved head.
I give up my seat for people who could use a sit down more than me. I’ve been moved to tears by great art and simple kindnesses.
I’ve forgiven hurts done to me and asked forgiveness for hurts I’ve done. I understand that we’re all different and also the same.
I don’t define myself by my enemies but I tend to limit my exposure to assholes of all genders, classes and ethnicities.
None of these things make me more or less a man. There’s no one ideal of manhood but there are universal tenets that we probably know.
I don’t blame women for the hurt that women have done to me. I don’t disparage other men to curry favour with women at all. I do the things I have to in order to do the things I want to.
I’m just a man and brother so are you.
MB Blissett 