I see a lot of people denouncing the idea of a "real man" based on outward presentation, implying or outright calling it shallow or sexist. That's all well and good folks, just remember: outward presentation gives everyone you meet their first impression of you, and about 70% of those people their
only impression of you. This doesn't mean anything unless you care what people think of you (and if you're wearing makeup, I find that you either do care, or have some sort of doubt or insecurity about it, otherwise this discussion wouldn't exist).
We don't live in that ideal world where everybody is judged by their character, personality, and action, because hardly anyone knows each other that well, and more than half the time (I cited 70%, vague and approximated statistics ahahah) they really don't bother to. It's not my intention to actively denounce the idea that you're allowed to wear whatever you want; if you feel you must, go right ahead. You have that choice. Just remember that if you wear skinny jeans, eyeliner, and other forms of typically effeminate apparel in public, people may (and are just as justified to) judge you accordingly. You are equally justified in disregarding them and doing whatever you want. And they... Well, it's cyclical.
Societal stereotypes would have us believe that a "real man" has a gruff and buff appearance, has a chiseled masculine jaw sporting powerful, definite, and well groomed facial hair, is self-confident, competent in many fields of labor and is capable of supporting not just himself, but an entire family, has a gentlemanly demeanor and a charismatic charm about him, is drop-dead stunning to the lady folk, can rock climb with nothing but his chin, wears Old Spice deodorant, is swift as the coursing river, and is probably Saxton Hale.
Yeah, you're probably not going to fit that ludicrously demanding bill (unless you're Saxton Hale, in which case welcome!). It is unrealistic just as much at it is amusing as all else. Just do what you're comfortable doing, whether it's being that manly man or not.
As for that balance between being naturally manly and caring about your appearance, I find that so long as you're keeping yourself groomed and you don't typically spend too much time pursuing some vain standard of appearance that you obviously don't have naturally, you're good, man.
I still don't get why you'd want to shave your body hair or wear any sort of makeup, but that's just me and my awesome follicles talking.
Owyn_Merrilin said:
Speaking of manliness, I learned today that there was a Roman politician named M. Manlius Capitolinus, which is officially the best name for a politician ever.
Best. Roman Politician. Ever.
Well, probably not, so let me rephrase that.
Best. Roman Politician. We have on record.
Captcha: king arthur
Now
there's a man fit for kingship.
