What is masculinity?

[lumberjack_jeff]

Over the years, many threads have erupted in various groups (often if not usually authored and driven by women) attempting to define what masculinity is. My typical response is something like "that's not it, and besides men are the only ones with the moral authority to create that definition".

... but in fairness, there hasn't been much progress in that regard. Perhaps it isn't enough to say that the definitions offered are wrong, if we can't create and agree upon some parameters which might be right.

First up, I suppose should be the concept of aggression and violence. I'm perfectly prepared to exercise both aggression and violence in the protection of the community and those less able to defend themselves, so I think the term is being loaded with inappropriate negative connotations. After all, the term for a person unwilling to do so is coward.

I suggest some others;
- service to causes transcending self
- fidelity and consistency to a vision and a moral code
- willingness to take calculated risk
- leadership
- strength (especially of principles, i.e. work ethic)
- accepting responsibility for one's actions and role
- extending and expecting respect, but not necessarily unconditional.