A very bizarre conversation with my 8 and almost 12 year old daughters took place the other day. We went from the YMCA song, to "why are they dressed like that?", to what does it mean to be a "real man". It was the kind of chat that every attentive mom hopes will happen at some point (I would have preferred later), but one that you can in no way prepare yourself for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO43p2Wqc08 (the video is for satirical illustration, not an endorsement--and perhaps not for everyone)
So, what does it mean to be a Real Man? We've heard lots of silliness on the subject:
- Real Men don't eat Quiche.
- Real Men don't watch Figure Skating.
- Real Men don't wear Pink.
- Real Men play dress up with their daughters.
- Real Men drive pick up trucks.
- Real Men hate cats.
The girls and I had a pretty good discussion on the subject; some of it insightful, some of it needing correction. But now it's time for you to weigh in on what a Real Man is to you. It can be positive or negative, what they do or don't do, silly or serious.
Finish the statement "Real Men..."
