Grow Some Balls : Choosing an American view of Manhood

Troll vs Superhero

 

It’s been a while, but as a boy growing up in America I understood what manhood was.  For this was a man with real values who followed the golden rule, “do onto others as you would have them do onto you”.  A person who could inspire people to work together and achieve great things.

The ideal American man for me has strong character, who doesn’t shy away from hard work or doing the right thing.  He has the balls to admit when he is wrong (and we’re all wrong at some point).  He seeks and values the truth, even when the truth is different than he desires. He shows respect for everyone, valuing and acknowledging different opinions. All while passionately and respectfully defending his point of view even when his view is not popular.

Today, American manhood doesn’t seem so clear to me.  Sadly I see too many examples of “Trolls” vying for popularity and somehow seen as bastions of manhood. These are are vindictive people simply attacking other points of view for sport. They’re seemingly driven only by a need to attract an audience.  With no regard for truth trolls simply thrive on belittling and bullying those around them.  Trolls trade on rudeness and disrespect to promote the idea anyone who doesn’t agree with them somehow “lesser” and targeted.  Too often the troll takes this to the extreme suggesting their  targets be ignored, locked up or worse.  The easiest way to spot them is the use of name calling.

Most sickening these trolls collect an audience to cheer them on while tearing things down.  And, then defend themselves by labeling any detractors as “Politically Correct”.  Often using this name calling as a battle cry to create even more vindictiveness. Basically stirring up their own audience to shut down any real thought.  The irony of this would be comical except it seems amazingly effective.

To reclaim American manhood we need to ignore the trolls in life. Starve them of the audience they crave.  Support people with the strength to respect their fellow Americans with differing points of view.  We need people with the wisdom to seek out other ideas.  And the balls to seek the truth even if it means admitting sometimes they are wrong.

An American Madman has spoken…

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