Associations

One of the choices in life that effects every one of us in immense ways is the choice of whom to associate with.

Recently I have learned anew the value of friendship. However, nothing supercedes the almost 7 years I've spent with my wife. If you the reader are the politically interested type, you are already aware from the 2004 election research that shows the effect marriage has on politcal leanings. How much more does marriage effect other views and beliefs? I intend on exploring that question at least as far as it applies to me.

I don't feel like sharing anything specific tonight about my marriage, but I felt it obviously necessary in my self-examination to take into account the effect marriage has on who I am.

More explorations of Marriage, Fatherhood, and their effect on motives in the future.

In addition to falling into the Married category, I have qualified for the Father category for just over 6 months now. The experience of fatherhood has had a tremendous impact on my view of the world, my sense of community and my desire to effect change in the world around me.



A day at the Beach, by Michele Usibelli (I love the way she captured my wife.)

Masculinity

Part of what makes me who I am is my masculinity. I'm pretty much a guy through and through. I drink beer. Smoke cigars and pipes. Love fishing. Grew up hunting. I fix my cars. I read Theology for fun. I'm a husband. I remodeled my entire house. I'm gruff, and bluntly honest. I've related to grumpy old mean for years now.

For those who haven't been paying attention, our society hates masculinity. Don't believe me? For your reading pleasure...

Nevermore's Collection of Anti-male Americana

• T-Shirts & Posters --->


• Man-Hater Quotes


• TV First and Foremost

Do men deserve the Homer Simpson, Joey Tribbiani, Ray Romano stereo type? Some, sure. But good grief isn't seeing every single dad on TV as a dolt getting old? (Single guys often get off the hook)In Malcom in the Middle, at least both parents are insane. However, I was floored by Spanglish. A movie portraying a husband as the more sensible party was just shocking.

My biggest fear for society on this issue is that if men see this dufuss roll as an expectation to be met, and they live up to it, the fatherless home problem will only get worse

So I'm exploring and learning what it means to be a man in today's culture. I won't apologize. I won't be feminized. And most of all I won't whine about it.

For interested men and women:
I found this book a very interesting Christian perspective on masculinity.