Masculinity (noun): possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men.
Masculinity has grown to become almost a staple of manhood. As a boy, we're grown and taught to act like men, and eat meat and potatoes like men. We're brainwashed to watch sports, participate, and learn basic manners about how to act towards a lady. However, since our society is constantly changing and adapting, as an adult in an ever-changing society, we are always torn about how to act around others.
If we act to feminine, we are called words such as "gay" and "faggot" by people of other generations who are firm to their beliefs, and come up with excuses as to why they're the way they are. Last time I checked, we all have the ability to be unique and offer our own sense of opinions, but not force them upon others, which is exactly what masculinity does.
When I was growing up, I was told that "Pink is a girl color, and blue is a boy color" every single time I wanted a toy. The idea of a boy liking another boy, I didn't comprehend until I got to high school, when one of my best friends was gay and I was like, "Okay, that's cool." I didn't think anything of it, and that's because my parents taught me understanding.
But, when I got to college, and actually started to date realistically, I noticed that during dates, I was frequently being told, "You're such a nice guy, and you're so sweet." Until I was on a date, and a girl told me that she wouldn't like to go out again because I was too feminine and peppy for her. After this interaction, I had to take a long look at myself, and wonder "What went wrong with me?" I did what I had to do during school, got good grades, and got involved, and then I looked at the media.
Filled with tons and tons of pictures of shirtless men with 6 packs. I even looked back at some of my favorite childhood superheroes, which included Superman. When I was younger, I wanted to be Superman. But now I know that it's okay not to be Superman.
I used to feel like I had to impress my family, my friends, and especially my Dad. I felt like I was chained up within myself being told what to do and what not to do because it's "gay." But, when I chose to give it a shot, and just say "Here I am," my parents, family, and true friends would love me no matter what, and I am blessed for that.
I chose to write this article specifically on masculinity because I have first hand experience dealing with this issue. But, this does not only apply to men. Men and women both have had issues in this society converting to gender normalities, and there has to be something done to stop it. We need to let others know that it's okay to be unique and different.
