It seems that a hollywood has-been is grabbing at headlines by encouraging men to rethink the definition of masculinity. It seems he doesn’t like the idea of our President being cowboyish. I have no idea what he has against cowboys. Cowboys are American as apple pie …. maybe that’s what he doesn’t like … that it’s an American thang?

It’s really kinda a hoot. Ethan Hawke, who is a b-list actor at best, thinks the Commander and Chief of the American military, the President of the most powerful nation in the world and is indeed, the most powerful man in the world, needs to go to war to feel like a ‘big man’.

I don’t know how to tell Ethan, but I don’t think being a ‘big man’ would be a problem for anyone in that position. Maybe Ethan is projecting a tad.

So how does Mr. Ethan ‘Big Man’ Hawke feel that masculinity should be redefined? He doesn’t really articulate his vision [I don't want to say this out loud cause I wouldn't want to hurt his feeling - him being sensitive and all - but he may not be able to articulate it]. I’m guessing it would be by having men become more like women.

London, July 8 (IANS) Actor Ethan Hawke has criticised US President George W. Bush’s decision to go to war in Iraq and feels American men should re-think the concept of masculinity.

Hawke said Bush’s attempt to be a big man prompted him to go to war, reported contactmusic.com. He said: “I’m from Texas. I love cowboy hats and riding horses. No American idealises all that more than I do. But when I see George W. Bush walking around in his cowboy hat, I feel its time for some new kind of masculine identity.”

Hawke urged American men to re-evaluate their masculinity because he fears that the men who took the country to war are misguided.

“Masculine identity has been ruling the world for a long time. You could make a case that it was needed at one time to keep people safe, build buildings, make roads and conquer nature. But that masculine thing has also led us to war. Men like to fight. But, because of globalisation, I think, in some fundamental way, ‘Might makes right’ is over.” [source]

I don’t have anything personal against the metro-sexual’s like Hawke. Apparently a lot of rodeo drive-type women like their men to be narcissistic, pretty and well-coifed. Women like eye-candy and trophies as much as men.

I personally don’t prefer men who have more hair and body care products than I do. But, hey, that’s just me.

I think it’s sad that people seem to think that in order to value femininity they have to devalue masculinity. But that’s for another post.

So Sister Toldjah has sent out a challenge for bloggers to show support of ‘old style masculinity’.

My first instinct is to post photos of my father, husband and son – who in my mind are ‘old style masculine’. But I thought a few famous people might be more interesting for others.

What defines masculinity?

How about a man who’s masculinity is not threatened by standing in the background while a woman takes center stage.

Then there’s the man who works hard at his job to provide for his family, day in and day out. Who makes sure they have what they need.

Men who are faithful to their wife and children, who will defend their family’s with their lives. Men who honor the women in their lives without giving up their own identity as males.

That’s just a few off the top of my head.

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At the height of his career, Elvis Pressley put his career on hold to serve his country.

Duty

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Denzel Washington quietly supports the troops. As an a-list actor he could command a great deal of attention for his support and contributions. Instead, he does it, seemingly, from his heart. Not to mention the Soldier’s he is visiting!

You can find out more about Denzel and his visits injured soldiers and more here.

Compassion

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Brian Chontosh

Courage

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Jeremy Staat

Honor

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Gary Sinese

Integrity

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Other examples of masculinity:

• Matt Pottinger – Trading Pen for Sword

And more can be found at Sister Toldjah, Alabama Improper [who has improperly changed the look of her site!!], chezDiva, Blue Crab Boulevard, Bear Creek Ledger
My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy has some thoughts on the subject. As does Ace of Spades from a more, well, masculine view point.

Big White Hat say Cowboy Up You Sissy!

Linked with: Third World County, Bullwinkle, Conservative Cat, Blogging Out Loud, Mark my Words, Camelot Destra Ideale, Basil’s Blog, Argghhh!