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marden · Oct 11, 2006, 10:57 PM

Manly Men Frighten Many

The manly man's man

Harvey Mansfield, conservative political theorist and academic provocateur, argues that women--and society--need to come to terms with 'manliness'

By Christopher Shea | March 12, 2006

WHO IS NOT JUST a man, but a manly man? And who today can even say the words ''manly man" without smirking?

The manly man's man - The Boston Globe

I think men need to get in touch with their manly sides. There is too much feminine energy about men today. Don't lose that sensitivity, GAIN a greater appreciation of your masculine birthright. Don't fear it. Grab it and embrace it. Be your OWN Bond!

turtle777 · 11:07 PM

Gosh, is ANYBODY gonna read that ?

Edit: ok, thanks for cutting it to the chase.

-t

Chuckit · Oct 11, 2006, 11:04 PM

I don't even want to think how much money this guy is getting paid.

SpaceMonkey · Oct 11, 2006, 11:12 PM

It was more interesting back in 1990: Iron John: a Book about Men, by Robert Bly

forkies · Oct 11, 2006, 11:26 PM

the manly man

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 11, 2006, 11:34 PM

You know, I had a great conversation about this with a friend the other night. We were discussing our mutual friend's inability to get a girlfriend/action, despite his being surrounded by many and various beautiful university women as friends.

I feel that he falls into what I like to call the "gay man trap" - no disrespect to our homo friends here, either. He ends up being the great friend to all women, though; he listens to their problems, he gives them good advice, they call him when they need someone to empathize with, he makes them laugh and laugh, etc. etc. etc. In other words, he is that gay man friend that all women seem to love to have.

I, on the other hand, am not such a great and wonderful friend to many and various women. They only rarely tell me their problems, or call me when they need a shoulder to cry on. I've been told this is probably because I'm slightly short on sympathy, advice or time to waste crying. My theory is that a man must exude a slight air of danger of some sort; in other words, every woman shouldn't feel comfortable being a close friend, because women in general should know that I'm perfectly capable of ****ing them should I choose to. Thus, while these women may go to my good buddy for friendship and advice, when I'm not in a serious relationship (or even then) they come to me when they wanted to get laid.

Is it manliness? Maybe. Hard to tell, I suppose. What does that even mean? But that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

greg

Spliffdaddy · Oct 11, 2006, 11:49 PM

I may be the manliest man to ever walk the face of the earth.

See that guy in the picture up there ^ ? I would bitchslap the smirk right off his face. He ain't manly. (edit: I got way more body hair than that)

When I look around all I see are girls and girlie-men.

Being me ain't easy, but it's quite rewarding.

- - e r i k - - · Oct 12, 2006, 12:25 AM

E's Lil Theorem · Oct 12, 2006, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

You know, I had a great conversation about this with a friend the other night. We were discussing our mutual friend's inability to get a girlfriend/action, despite his being surrounded by many and various beautiful university women as friends.

I feel that he falls into what I like to call the "gay man trap" - no disrespect to our homo friends here, either. He ends up being the great friend to all women, though; he listens to their problems, he gives them good advice, they call him when they need someone to empathize with, he makes them laugh and laugh, etc. etc. etc. In other words, he is that gay man friend that all women seem to love to have.

I, on the other hand, am not such a great and wonderful friend to many and various women. They only rarely tell me their problems, or call me when they need a shoulder to cry on. I've been told this is probably because I'm slightly short on sympathy, advice or time to waste crying. My theory is that a man must exude a slight air of danger of some sort; in other words, every woman shouldn't feel comfortable being a close friend, because women in general should know that I'm perfectly capable of ****ing them should I choose to. Thus, while these women may go to my good buddy for friendship and advice, when I'm not in a serious relationship (or even then) they come to me when they wanted to get laid.

Is it manliness? Maybe. Hard to tell, I suppose. What does that even mean? But that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

greg

Your friend is what some of us refer to as an intellectual whore.

Introduce your friend to the ladder theory. You'll be doing him a great favor.

Cody Dawg · Oct 12, 2006, 03:19 AM

marden, you should join Toastmasters and get out once in a while.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

marden, you should join Toastmasters and get out once in a while.

If I were you I'd keep my unsolicited advice to myself.

Gamoe · Oct 12, 2006, 04:19 AM

I think a man should be: sensitive, a good listener, honorable, honest and loyal, but also decisive when it comes to important decisions and willing to take action when necessary as well as to face the consequences of his actions.

He also needs to understand that women are rather different from men and can't always be treated like your best buddy. Here a man needs to take the initiative and not give in to the fear of failure (with women and elsewhere). He needs to be assertive and strong.

Generally, I've found that most women do not like men who easily give in to their whims and wants. But again, a man needs to know when to do this and when not to. If he goes overboard he is "machista". If he goes under-board he is "not manly".

I don't think a "manly man" is necessarily the one with the biggest muscles or "hard-ass" attitude. I think the latter are for the most part insecure or limited men. I think a modern "manly man" knows how to have fun and express his feelings and thoughts, but is not an emotional wreck.

I also don't think that a truly secure man (which a manly man must be) is always worried about what others will think or if he is "manly" or not. He is sure of himself and is not phased by others' limitations and prejudices. A manly man has no problems being friends with a gay man just because of his sexuality, though he must be respected, as he respects others regardless.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

He flies through the air like Tinkerbell and unwisely gets a lucky first swing at a gorilla who is 10 times stronger than any man.

The ape is more of a manly man than the fella in the stylish loincloth and accessories, IMHO.

andi*pandi · Oct 12, 2006, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by forkies

the manly man

awww, who's a wuddly cuddly widdle bear? who? wuzzie wuzzie!

Cody Dawg · Oct 12, 2006, 07:19 AM

I'm thinking that guy could star in the next Geico caveman commercial...where's his club?

Not my type of man.

andi*pandi · Oct 12, 2006, 07:39 AM

This looks like a job for... Brawny Man!

Zeeb · Oct 12, 2006, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

You know, I had a great conversation about this with a friend the other night. We were discussing our mutual friend's inability to get a girlfriend/action, despite his being surrounded by many and various beautiful university women as friends.

I feel that he falls into what I like to call the "gay man trap" - no disrespect to our homo friends here, either. He ends up being the great friend to all women, though; he listens to their problems, he gives them good advice, they call him when they need someone to empathize with, he makes them laugh and laugh, etc. etc. etc. In other words, he is that gay man friend that all women seem to love to have.

I, on the other hand, am not such a great and wonderful friend to many and various women. They only rarely tell me their problems, or call me when they need a shoulder to cry on. I've been told this is probably because I'm slightly short on sympathy, advice or time to waste crying. My theory is that a man must exude a slight air of danger of some sort; in other words, every woman shouldn't feel comfortable being a close friend, because women in general should know that I'm perfectly capable of ****ing them should I choose to. Thus, while these women may go to my good buddy for friendship and advice, when I'm not in a serious relationship (or even then) they come to me when they wanted to get laid.

Is it manliness? Maybe. Hard to tell, I suppose. What does that even mean? But that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

greg

I've known a number of straight guys who seem to be in the dilemma you describe. I think you're right about making sure that you can't be too much of a confidant to a woman right away or you could become identified by that woman as a non-sexual friend.

However, I've also had experiences as a gay guy that turn this theory on its head. For obvious reasons, I don't mind being a close confidant to a woman and have several close women friends. More than a few of them have made passes at me believe it or not.

One time I came out of the bathroom and one of them was naked. It was a trauma! Even more traumatic was when I went to kiss another female friend on the cheek to say goodbye and she started frenching me. Did I mention this woman was also my boss? I wish I had as much luck with men as I do with women.

Cody Dawg · Oct 12, 2006, 08:06 AM

Are you Rupert Everett?

He's hawt, gay or straight.

BlueSky · Oct 12, 2006, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by marden

I think men need to get in touch with their manly sides. There is too much feminine energy about men today. Don't lose that sensitivity, GAIN a greater appreciation of your masculine birthright. Don't fear it. Grab it and embrace it. Be your OWN Bond!

This is essentially what I was explaining to my gf last night as I was doing the dishes and conquering dustbunnies in the foyer.

Face Ache · Oct 12, 2006, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by marden

Don't fear it. Grab it and embrace it.

This is essentially what I was explaining to my gf last night.

Cody Dawg · Oct 12, 2006, 09:28 AM

marden...

nevermind.

andi*pandi · Oct 12, 2006, 10:02 AM

If I can bring home the bacon,
AND fry it up in a pan,
then washing the dishes
won't make you less of a man

besson3c · Oct 12, 2006, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Yeah! I always thought that the sign of manliness is punching gorillas in the face!

Way to go guy, you show that gorilla who is boss!

brassplayersrock² · Oct 12, 2006, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

I'm thinking that guy could star in the next Geico caveman commercial...where's his club?

Not my type of man.

what type of guy is? a guy wearing a pointed white face covering hood?

besson3c · Oct 12, 2006, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock

who is cody? a guy wearing a white pointed, face covering hood?

Who are you? Who is anybody?

All I know is that I'm pretty sure that you aren't Jesus.

brassplayersrock² · Oct 12, 2006, 10:13 AM

if i ever claimed to be Jesus, I give you my personal permission to come kill me with a bunny

forkies · Oct 12, 2006, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock

if i ever claimed to be Jesus, I give you my phone's mail address

dude, i would text you penances like all the time

brassplayersrock² · Oct 12, 2006, 10:42 AM

heh.
1. nice change of what i said forkies
2. nice work with the white text

Rumor · Oct 12, 2006, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by marden

If I were you I'd keep my unsolicited advice to myself.

People in glass houses...

Dakar · Oct 12, 2006, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by marden

If I were you I'd keep my unsolicited advice to myself.

Brrrrrrrrrrr

Dakar · Oct 12, 2006, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by forkies

dude, i would text you penances like all the time

Very nice.

invisibleX · Oct 12, 2006, 02:58 PM

Just read that. What a retard.

volcano · Oct 12, 2006, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

I don't think a "manly man" is necessarily the one with the biggest muscles or "hard-ass" attitude. I think the latter are for the most part insecure or limited men. I think a modern "manly man" knows how to have fun and express his feelings and thoughts, but is not an emotional wreck.

Agreed.

Whenever I see someone driving a huge pickup truck with monstrous tires (think Ford F-350 or the like), wearing a cowboy hat, and driving with their arm out the window, all I can think is: what is he trying to prove?

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 12, 2006, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by E's Lil Theorem

Your friend is what some of us refer to as an intellectual whore.

Introduce your friend to the ladder theory. You'll be doing him a great favor.

Greatest. Site. Evar.

greg

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by BlueSky

This is essentially what I was explaining to my gf last night as I was doing the dishes and conquering dustbunnies in the foyer.

I think you prolly have little to worry about in the manliness department.

Zeeb · Oct 12, 2006, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by forkies

the manly man

Please, I see guys like this at the gay bar all the time. They look all tough and hairy from a distance. Then they open their mouths and you think you're talking to Liberace.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

People in glass houses...

You ignorant poster, why don't you stick to posting about things you know about.

You haven't a clue as to the differences between my posts and Cody Dawg.

She divulged her FRIEND'S personal business on the internet.

Then she ASSUMED her FRIEND was doing illegal things even though he assured her he wasn't.

Then she INSINUATED TO OTHERS THAT HER FRIEND was doing illegal things.

This resulted in breaking up his relationship. She admitted it was an act of jealousy.

Then when her FRIEND decided to give her a second chance and just let bygones be bygones she BLACKMAILS him online threatening to expose some non-existent offense her FRIEND supposedly committed.

Rumor, you D.A.F.F. why don't you show me where I have done anything like that, huh?

And then when I stand up to her on behalf of the FRIEND, Cody Dawg has the gall to give ME advice and YOU jump in trying to look brave or brilliant or whatever? You are on my **** list so you just watch yourself from now on.

You don't know your ass from a hole in the ground.

No, Rumor you haven't a FRIGGIN CLUE, so if I were YOU I would STFU!

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock

what type of guy is? a guy wearing a pointed white face covering hood?

Chuckit · Oct 12, 2006, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by marden

You are on my **** list so you just watch yourself from now on.

I would like to suggest that throwing empty threats at other forum members is not the way to resolve your problems.

Pendergast · Oct 12, 2006, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by marden

Manly Men Frighten Many

The manly man's man - The Boston Globe

I think men need to get in touch with their manly sides. There is too much feminine energy about men today. Don't lose that sensitivity, GAIN a greater appreciation of your masculine birthright. Don't fear it. Grab it and embrace it. Be your OWN Bond!

So, finally out of that closet of yours?

Rumor · Oct 12, 2006, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by marden

You are on my **** list so you just watch yourself from now on.

Now I'm scared. Forget to take your pills this morning?

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

Now I'm scared. Forget to take your pills this morning?

If I were you I'd put me on ignore.

Rumor · Oct 12, 2006, 05:38 PM

Why should I? I laugh at your idiotic ramblings.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

I would like to suggest that throwing empty threats at other forum members is not the way to resolve your problems.

The only threat I throw comes from the barbed comments I might post which most people would rather avoid. That and reporting someone's behavior to the mods or employing friends and surrogates to antagonize a poster are the only things anyone would have to fear from me. But those would all be employed if and when the circumstance called for it.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

Why should I? I laugh at your idiotic ramblings.

Why don't you just apologize and admit you didn't know that I had promised from now on to refer to Cody Dawg as a BB, a blackmailing beeyotch and then maybe we could try to let things calm down?

besson3c · Oct 12, 2006, 05:48 PM

I think Cody Dawg is right about Mojabardeen....

Wait a minute, I thought that Marden is not Abe? I'm so confused now...

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

I think Cody Dawg is right about Mojabardeen....

Wait a minute, I thought that Marden is not Abe? I'm so confused now...

Q.E.D.

marden · Oct 12, 2006, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

Why should I? I laugh at your idiotic ramblings.

Apology or get ready to be one laughing mf.

To be clear, if you admit you didn't know what shitty things Cody Dawg had done then we will walk away from this.

If you want to choose the other course, the choice is yours.

besson3c · Oct 12, 2006, 05:57 PM

I find it funny how Moarbaradeenwriterden and Kevin sort of gravitate to the word or expression of the week, and have to use the word/expression over and over and over and over and over again....

For a while (before I had Kevin added to my ignore), I remember it was "hyperbole this", "hyperbole that", "projection", "you are projecting", blah blah blah...

With this guy, apparently it is "Q.E.D." he is stuck on. "Q.E.D. baby", "hey, check this out... Q.E.D.", "suck on my Q.E.D. baby", "Q.E.D. in your face"!

Well, I guess he isn't saying much more than just "Q.E.D.", but I thought I would just sex things up a little bit.

Anyway, start entertaining me Marden. Say some crazy stuff about manly men and Anna Benson and stuff. I don't care about Q.E.D., that's boring.

besson3c · Oct 12, 2006, 05:59 PM

Comon Rumor, choose your course. Stop keeping us waiting!