It is no wonder that there is confusion over what men are – and as this post were posted elsewhere would likely to be taken down soon, take note. Coco shall not attribute the quote, for if he do then his behaviour shall not be any better than that which he is about to criticise. In a recent interview a businessman said that he thought companies needed more masculine energy. Whether they do, or they do not, is not the discussion for today. The interesting part of what was said is the definition of masculinity that followed. We have to be careful however as the business man was canny enough to place a glottal stop, a chasm, between the first statement and the definition, which he could also argue is not a definition. Indeed it is true, it was not framed as a definition, but rather as a pencil illustration, a cartoon if you like. His comments may then be charged with being non sequitur. So be it, you may make your own conclusion.
So for many reasons, and for this that Coco have may have misunderstood the report, Coco could be accused of spreading fake news. In order to provide a defence to my conclusion Coco may be drawn to provide the source for the sayings, but for the aforementioned reason continue to decline to do so.
What then does masculinity look like according to this picture? It is displayed in the fight. In the fight he said you are expected to be a “ruthless person who is going to crush the people with whom you are competing”. The translation belongs to Coco. This was said in the context of behaviour in a corporate role, where others would perhaps not want to see you behaving in this way.
The suggestion is that in the corporate role the display of masculinity, as pictured – the ruthless crushing of opponents, is decried. It is what is missing in the corporate world, but is expected elsewhere as the display of masculinity.
Is this what it really means to be a man? Men know that it may be the picture some want to make it, but men know in their hearts that it is false. Look at two opponents on the sports field, who after the game are playing chess together as friends. Look at the men in fast cars – some come up to the image given in this false picture. What do we call them? Coco leaves you to find the words. Others are racing to show compassion to those in need; they would much prefer not to have to themselves become a danger to others on the road.
Where is the space for compassion in this picture of ruthless masculinity? Should we not support those who are unable to support themselves? The underperformer may be an underperformer, but he needs work as much as the A-class performers. Find him work where he may be an A-class performer. In a factory the A-class performers build delicate equipment, accurately, efficiently and well, on complex machines, but without the A-class cleaner to maintain the machine for them, they will produce nothing, they will not even be F-class performers.
The one man who showed us what real masculinity is said: Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Will those who are men take up the challenge to imitate Jesus, and show the paucity of the false view of manhood that is so prevalent in our society today?