The "New" Man?

I read an article last week that talked about the "new man" in today's society.  I found the article rather ass-backwards; it was obviously penned by a femi-nazi.

The ridiculously long article aimed to address the "new" role of men; particularly in the midst of this recession that's been over since June 09 depression.  In short; you men out there need to be even more girly than we told you to be before.  That's right men; "man up" really means to become your wife's handmaid.  Clean that kitchen!  Fold those clothes! Cook that dinner!  Oh... and you like it, beyatch.

The article went on to discredit shows like Deadliest Catch & Dirty Jobs; I mean like, that's so last century.  Real men don't get dirty; they get manicures.

Le sigh.

Here's the really sad part about the article... it kicks men when they're down.  The writer had an opportunity to encourage men who have found themselves out of work... and she (I assume "she") chose to take the lower road instead.

My hope is that there are men out there who find my "editorial" a little more encouraging and women who find it helpful as well.  So here it goes...

This recession that was over in June 09 depression sucks.  The men who have busted their butts to provide for their families suddenly find themselves unable to do just that.  That's painful; down right depressing.  I get it and I'm truly sorry you have to go through this.  My man is in the same boat and I've watched him struggle with his sense of responsibility, honor and confidence; it honestly breaks my heart.

He does a lot around the house; always has.  He almost always cooks; not because it's expected, but because I suck at cooking & he prefers to eat good meals.  He also tends to sweep & vacuum a lot; again, not because it's expected.  Kitchen duty is pretty evenly split; yard work, too.  He cuts & edges; I like to weed and prune.  Laundry... all me.  In regard to chores, "roles" are pretty evenly divided between the two of us.

But...

There is no question who the head of household is.  Not a day goes by that I don't remind my husband how much he is needed, respected and loved.  Major decisions; all his to make.  I am not his mother and have no desire to be.  If he wants to go out with his friends; he goes out.  The remote control is always his to have.  He is the first to be served dinner.  He always gets the last piece of cake.  When he's feeling down, I make a stop on the way home to pick up an apple pie & vanilla ice cream.

Why?  Because there is no "new man"; men are still men and they deserve to be treated as such.  The recession that was over in June 09 depression hasn't changed that.  Keeping yourself busy during the day or just helping out because you have the time does not make men any less manly.  It doesn't change who they are, what makes them tick or what they need from their wives.  If anything, it put more responsibility on the women out there.  Your men need you (more than ever) to see them as men.

So you men out there; I know it sucks and I know it's hard, but what is happening is of no reflection of who you are.  I know you've been wired to believe that if you're not bringing home a paycheck, then you're not a real man.  That is a lie; don't believe it.  You didn't do this; you didn't drive our national economy into the toilet.  It isn't your fault.

And you women out there; be good to your husbands.  Love them well.  Remind them that, paycheck or no paycheck, they are still your knight in shining armor.  Your man needs to know that he's still your hero.  It's your responsibility, as his wife, to make sure he never forgets who he is.