Being "Fully Male"

As many others no doubt feel similarly, I'm sad at hearing of the death of the Crocodile Man - a favorite of my younger step-son.

At the same time, for me the part of "Maledom" that strives for being the "manliest" and hypes dangers and trivializes much of reality to get there is not something I hope we as men will strive for.

It may be fun and silly to do lots of things! Beyong the areas of education and learning there are plenty of horrific examples I can give. Eating 50 hot dogs in 15 minutes or similar doesn't promote values I believe in. It is tragic when young men lose their lives after guzzling beer for hours on end. Driving our cars at high speeds endangers others as well as ourselves.

Values such as being a good father (or son) and listening and being present as a friend faces death don't make us as men heroes, but are really very important to me.

Striving to do better in our lives is an important value! Trying against the odds to succeed in school or on a work project or even on training for a difficult race all may be worthwhile, life affirming goals for us and those we care about.

Let's learn about animals and realistically about their charms and dangers. Let's celebrate the lives of those around us and those we may lose. Let's affirm positive life affirming values!

Thanks!