What Does it Mean to Be a Real Man?

By Ryan Charles

What does it mean to be a man? Many in society would answer this question if asked with something along the lines of, “a take-charge person” or “to never be scared”. In an article, even college students when asked by their professor what it means to be a real man, came up with similar answers. They stated things like “suppressing all emotions” and “never cry”.

For decades, TV and movies have driven society to believe that what makes a real man too are things like being able to provide, being strong, and to never cry or show emotions. I find this to be false. In the age that we live in today, women are able to do just as much as men are able to do in society, including providing for their families. This nullifies the old definition of what it means to be a real man.

So what is the new definition of a man?  

A real man is one that is secure in his masculinity. Men who are secure in their masculinity tend to gain a sort of maturity. A big thing between boys is knowing who’s best. 

Constantly having to show superiority is a sign of someone who is not a real man in my eyes. A real man doesn't need constant validation from peers to be assured of their stature. Boys also tend to stray away from expressing emotions, which can be destructive. 

Many boys feel pressured to come off as “macho” to seem cool and manly to their friends. A real man is so secure in their masculinity, that they are not afraid to voice their emotions because they are not afraid of what others might think.

In recent years there has been a great change brought upon society. People are now moving more and more away from previously established “gender roles”. With women being able to do anything a man can, old definitions of what it means to be a man have become obsolete. 

So what do you think it means to be a real man?