Journal: Be a Man!

What is your perception of what it means to be a man in the world of Macbeth versus today?

I think that the whole idea of being a man is pretty ludicrous. In Macbeth, this idea is very prominent. Macduff isn’t allowed to cry when he hears his family is slaughtered, Macbeth can’t second guess his decision to kill Duncan because he knows it’s wrong. It doesn’t make sense to me. But this idea of manliness still exists today. It is kind of the same, yet kind of different.

Do you agree with how modern media portrays the Expectations of men?

No, I do not agree. I think that there is no right way for a man to act. The societal expectation of men is pretty ridiculous as is the standard for women. I do not think that there should be expectations at all because if one fails to meet those expectations, they fell lesser, and nobody deserves that. We are all equal.

In your opinion, what does “being manly” mean to you?

Being manly to me is not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in, to not be afraid to speak your mind, even in the most trivial situations. Tell it like it is and be straight forward, don’t beat around the bush. To not be afraid, or if you are afraid, don’t let it freeze you. Being manly is acting in spite of fear. It is also being prideful, yet humble, and strong, yet gentle. You have to have a good balance in everything. I believe that being manly can also mean being emotional when they feel it right. People say men don’t cry because it’s a sign of weakness, but I think it could also be a source of strength. I feel that people who hide their tears or don’t cry when they want to, or when it feels right to them are cowards because they fear what others might think of them. It shouldn’t matter to a man what everyone thinks of them, as long as they are okay with themselves. Everyone else should accept them and give them props for not being afraid. Yes, I realize this sounds absolutely ludicrous. However, I agree with Macduff, that people need to also feel things as a man, and act in a way that helps them cope with grief.