Do males and females define a MAN the same way? If modern society holds different opinions about what it means to be a MAN, whose opinion is right? If you’ve never had an example of a MAN in your life, could you still become one? Can being a MAN be defined by oneself, or must others champion you as such? Is it enough to just be a good MAN, or is it better to be good at being a MAN? Last but not least, exactly, what is a MAN?
My grandfather was born in the West Indian Island of Antigua. He had 19 children, with two women, who both stayed in the same village. I only met him once, but I remember it as clear as day. For some reason I thought we would have this magical movie moment or at the very least, he would acknowledge that we had the same first name. Instead, when I came up to him, he looked at me like…"fuck these kids.”
Is being a MAN someone who produces?
Growing up, my father and I didn’t have the best relationship, in fact, for many years I hated him. Regardless of how ungrateful and thankless I was, my father was always there for me. Today, we have a great relationship, though, I think he thinks I’m some kind of computer wizard. I now realize that if he hadn’t been so hard on me, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Is being a MAN someone who provides and protects?
I have been a horrible father and some of my biggest regrets concern my son. When they pass out father of the millennium awards, I better not even look at the building where the ceremony is being held…matter of fact… I best not even act like I’m coming down the street. But like my father, and his father before him, I did my best.
Is being a MAN someone who is perfect?
Simple and plain, a MAN is…
a HERO.
Let’s define hero shall we.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hero is… a: A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. b: An illustrious warrior. c: A person admired for achievements and noble qualities. d: One who shows great courage. e: An object of extreme admiration and devotion.
That sure sounds like a MAN to me.
Now… don’t be a fuckin idiot. Nowhere did you see Merriam say a hero is a simp, nice guy, yes-man, push over, doormat, punching bag, fool, emotional buss down, and/or sucker.
My father was my hero when I was a child. As I’m sure, my grandfather was to my father, and I believe I was to my son. A man is a hero to his woman, to his children, to his friends, to his community, to his fans, to a stranger, to mankind. A hero is righteous, though not perfect. He does his best to be his best and to do what is best. For every good thing you enjoy in this world, understand that it was a MAN somewhere who gave his life to cultivate and protect that good thing. When a woman says to you…you’re not a man, she's really saying, I thought you was a hero, but instead, you just a extra regular male. I heard once, being a man is someone who carries their own weight. I say, being a man is someone who carries whatever weight is required of them…because they’re built for it.
A MAN,
is a HERO.
And that’s….that.
WALT FACTUAL
