Commentary by Maddy Fretto XCP ’13
SPECIAL TO THE ROUNDUP
Throughout modern society, the view of what a “real” man is varies, depending upon what a person exposes themselves to, such as music or television.
For example, the popular television show “Jersey Shore” shows men taking advantage of women and only focusing on themselves and their appearance.
Lack of respect towards women is the message of some types of music, such as the rap genre.
With these mixed messages being sent by popular culture, it may be hard for young men to decipher how they should act.
Basically, a true man is one who is a gentleman not just towards women, but also towards anyone he comes in contact with. A man should have confidence in himself and carry himself with an air of class, but not have too much confidence, because this could easily be perceived as arrogance.
Men should be secure with themselves and figure out who they are as a person and what they stand for.
Figuring this out can help guide men through their lives and relationships with women.
As for the opposite sex, men should regard women in a respectful manner. The relationship between the two sexes should be one of mutual kindness and should be a healthy, positive relationship.
“Any man who can’t recognize that the female is his equal is not, in fact, a man,” said Anne Meyers ’13 about relationships between men and women.
Women want to be around a man who is nice and caring and does not focus only on himself, but instead makes an effort to pay attention to them as well. They like a man who is friendly, talkative and makes them feel comfortable.
“He should be someone you can talk to about anything no matter what,” said Delaney Krauss ’13. “He should always be there for you and support you, wanting only the best for you.”
Men should have hopes and ambitions they want to accomplish, instead of going through life without any motivation or drive.
They should want to do their best, and women will have more respect for a man who works hard and does not rely on others for something he can do himself.
He should know how to balance his life so he not only works hard, but knows how to enjoy himself as well. Women want to be around a man who is driven, but knows when to relax and have fun.
Lastly, it is not necessary for men to act tough and macho around women. Women can typically see through this act. Women like a man who can be sensitive and someone they feel they can relate to.
Men should be themselves, because women do not like fake people and usually can tell when someone is not acting how they truly are as a person.
