For several decades society has portrayed the male as being impotent and weak. Television portrays the male as being stupid and making poor decisions. I find this distressing.

The Male Definition

: an individual of the sex that is typically capable of producing small, usually motile gametes (such as sperm or spermatozoa) which fertilize the eggs of a female

: having a quality (such as vigor or boldness) sometimes associated with the male sex

I especially like the second definition as having vigor or boldness. In this topic, I am speaking from the natural health aspect of maleness. What happens when society demeans men? How does this affect the health of the man? What effect does this have on the health of relationships? How does this affect our society?

In the traditional role, the man is the provider for the family by earning the money to meet the financial needs of the family. He is expected to provide information and guidance on various topics. Within this role, there is an implication of power and being dominate over the female and children making the man to be a tyrant.

When did strength become a bad quality? I’m not talking about the misuse of strength, but strength as a quality one looks for in a man to protect his family.

In nature, the strong male gets the female. This strength is what attracts the female when she is looking for a mate. Survival of the species. It holds true in humans as well, even though society tries to play the strength card down.

Men were taught not to show emotions. To be a man, one had to be tough and stoic. Crying was a sign of weakness in a man. Father’s were often not very involved with the children, or at least not in the television sitcoms.

What changed?

Feminism roared into the 1970s changing the world as a whole. Instead of balancing the role of females into daily life, feminism went too far. We castrated men during the upheaval. Women became radical and at times rabid. Feminism went too far!

I feel that the radical changes undermined the family unit and men’s role in the community. Hopefully this century will continue to balance the roles of men and women.

In this century, there seems to be a partnership between the sexes. Men are more involved with the family. They are taking a more active role in child rearing. I’m seeing more men step-up to the plate, so to speak, to take on the leadership in the family. Leadership is not being dominate, but is considering what is best for the family and taking in the advice of the spouse.

How is the health of society affected?

As the public weakened the role of men, it weakened the family unit. Disrespect of the man’s role contributed to the crumbling seen in the behavior of children in years past. Discipline was seen as child abuse and parents were afraid to set limits on their children. Rioting and destruction of property was seen on television when people did not get their way.

America is seen as a weak nation around the world when children are not disciplined and allowed to do what they pleased. The United States is no longer united as the strength of the man was dissolved. We are a nation of self-absorbed individuals who are narcissistic and immature.

What does the future look like?

While the role of men has changed, the definition of man’s place in society has not changed. There has to be a new definition of the family unit’s role as it is now seen.

We can’t weaken the status of men or women in the functioning of family interactions. Both men and women have their strengths and each should be celebrated.

A man’s responsibility is paramount in maintaining a healthy community. Today’s man has a newfound strength as he is more involved with the family. It’s time for a new definition of what a man is. Celebrate the men in your life. Show them the respect they deserve.