What Does It Mean To Be a True, Southern Gentleman?
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Does It Mean To Be a True, Southern Gentleman?

Welcome class. School is now in session.

8369
What Does It Mean To Be a True, Southern Gentleman?
@ELLYEVE

To begin, my formal definition of a Southern gentleman is an attractive man of Southern descent. This Southern gentleman is essentially a paradox. He dresses well but because he wants to, and all of his clothes just naturally fall together. He can afford to, but does not have to, waste money. He acts impetuously but is still someone with superb manners and social graces. He is smooth with the ladies but can be tamed for the right woman. He is beloved by most but not by all. 

He comes from the genus "gentleman" and the species "southern." The Southern is the more spicy part of the definition, indicating nonchalant attractiveness, extravagant spending, wild recklessness and smoothness with women. The genus is harder to define.

Everyone has their own definition of what a gentleman is, but for this paper’s sake I will keep it simple: superb manners, chivalrous romance and, above all, honor. This idea of a gentleman stems from the medieval white knight, from whom society developed the Victorian Era’s gentleman, from which most of the traditional gentleman ethics flow. Modern society has its new gentleman, which according to some people might not be a "real man” at all. I am more opportunistic about this generation and think the gentleman still exists because I’ve encountered a good many that fit my definition. More specifically I have even seen the true southern gentleman, according to my standards.

When I asked my friends, the girls had an assortment of definitions. The guys on the other hand named themselves as prime examples. They may be sort of accurate as they all dress well enough, have money and treat ladies with good graces. However, they do not necessarily have the grandeur or mystique of greats such as Rhett Butler or Jay Gatsby - popular characters who seem to have both the spiciness and gentleman qualities that I described earlier. As one of my friends put it, “Rhett Butler has the sex appeal, but still manages to be the kind of man you want to take home to mother.”

This begs the question: What is the difference between my average male friend and these famed movie characters? These movie characters showcase a swagger that places them both as attractive and dangerous. I would dare say that a southern gentleman needs to be indomitable like these characters, so women can feel protected and safe. This might be what some of my guy friends are missing.

To complicate my definition a little further I add the additional adjective "unconquerable." They have fire in their bellies, as my grandfather would put it. Southern gentleman must be doughty and willing to fight for what they want and love. Nobody is perfect; the best two examples I have, Butler and Gatsby, had huge flaws. Their flaws were lovable, though, not unlike Greek tragedy heroes.

Lastly, the operational definition is just that: it is defined by the Southern gentleman’s operations or actions. I think this all depends on the certain gentleman. It could be opening the door, pulling out the chair, buying the meal, or any number of typical chivalrous practices. It could also be the expected romance novel cover where the man embraces the woman in his arms, consuming her with passion. It could be a man defending a woman’s honor or, better yet, rescuing a defenseless child. 

On the “spicy” side, an operational definition could be a drinking contest, something a lot of southern men take pride in. To me, it could even be cheating at something as long as it was clever and not for personal gain. Most importantly a southern gentleman’s actions must fit the enigma. If he steals, it must be for the poor. If he sleeps around, it must be because he was hurt in the past. If he lies, it must be to protect the person he loves and so on. I

t is also important to note that his environment should consist of some sort of glamour. It does not have to be Gatsby-esque, but it is necessary for there to be a certain glitter around their lifestyle. By glitter I mean a life others would like to or at least think they would like to have - be that a fancy house or a nonmaterial item like his natural, exuberant personality.

Again, it is important to understand that the Southern gentleman is flawed. Regardless, he is envied. He is the evolution of gentility from the Greek, Medieval, Victorian and modern eras. He is the perfect combination of the gentleman and the southern. He is attractive, suave, tough, rough, polite, respected, admired, envied and flawed.

Moreover, a real southern gentleman is a complex paradox that we are lucky to ever behold.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70846
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132443
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments