Man-ifesto, Needs Context

A message about the Docker’s “Man-ifesto” came through my inbox today and I wanted to draw some attention to it.  The point of what Dockers is trying to do comes across, however, I think it needs some explanation in order to make it better.  This explanation sets the context of what manhood is, why it is vital and how a man can live TrueManhood.

I really like the parts about gentlemanly behavior.  I tend to believe that chivalry is dying, but I know that it can be resurrected from the dead if men would take a few extra seconds here and there to help women out (it needs to then become a mindset) AND if women allow a man to be a gentleman.  The loss of masculinity in our culture is overwhelming, which is a big reason why I operate this website.  Males tend to give into societal pressures (vanity and pride are big here) and because of the idea of “cultural manliness” (if you don’t know what this is, you need to read more of my writings here!  Use the search box to find CULTURAL MANLINESS!) are often rewarded for doing so.  If you haven’t heard Brad Paisley’s song, “I’m Still a Guy”, he mentions lots of stuff about the decline of masculinity: “These days, there’s dudes gettin’ facials, manicured, waxed and botoxed.  With deep spray on tans, and creamy-lotiony hands, you can’t grip a tackle box.  With all of these dudes linin’ up get nudered it’s hip now to be feminized…” It’s funny, haha, but true.  A way for us to gauge our own behavior and motivations is to look at the most manly men we know.  This doesn’t mean Chuck Norris and Charleston Heston, this means TrueMen, like St. Joseph, St. Thomas More and Jesus Himself!  These men exemplify manliness, they are our guides.

The Dockers Man-ifesto takes jabs at stuff like salad bars, misbehaved children and complacency, but it never answers the question ‘why’.

The term “wear the pants” is typically misconstrued and misused; typically the term means something similar to dominate, or rule over.  This is NOT the role of a man.  A TrueMan leads, yes, but not with an iron fist.  A TrueMan makes decisions, but not by force.  A TrueMan loves and honors and respects.  (In the coming days, as soon as I have my voice back, I’m producing a video talking more about this topic.)

And let’s be clear, the “call to manhood” is to live virtue!  In Latin, virtus means manliness!

I urge men and women to read through Docker’s Man-ifesto and determine what areas should be worded differently if it was the TrueMan-ifesto.  Maybe I’ll do that too, and post my thoughts on it.  Your comments are appreciated.

Man up!

Congratulations on Graduation Day, Thomas!

Today is a monumental day in the life of The Avolio Family, and for the family’s friends.  Today, Wednesday, December 16, 2009,Thomas Avolio is graduating from the United States Air Force Academy and will receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  Although many young men and women graduate from the Air Force Academy each year, none come anywhere close to measuring up to Thomas’ life.

In 2006, Thomas was hiking a mountain directly behind the cadet area, called Eagle’s Peak.  To summit Eagle’s Peak, the hiker must exert a significant amount of energy, which all becomes well-worth it once atop this hallowed peak; the view is marvelous.  For Thomas, the last time he hiked the mountain would change his life forever.

Due to a loss of traction, Thomas took an incredibly vicious fall, falling 200 vertical feet.  His body was mangled, his limbs were broken.  Luckily, three young men were hiking below and rushed to his aid.  Thanks to their quick thinking and previous first aid training, they were able to stabilize Thomas and call for help.  Hours and hours went by as authorities attempted to save his life.  Flight for Life was called in and flew Thomas to a local hospital.  With the loss of blood, the trauma to his brain and the severity of his injuries, the doctors showed almost no signs of hope.  However, in an incredible miracle directly from God, Thomas managed to fight for his life.

I was present for a great deal of Thomas’ recovery.  I visited him in the hospital, spent countless hours praying and offering Mass for his recovery and spent many long days with his family at the hospital.  It appeared, early on, that Thomas would be devastated by the fall and that he would rely on machines, apparatus and other’s loving care to make it in life.  At this point, it was a real-life miracle that he was even alive.  All the odds were against him, but Thomas had a different plan.  From the first time that Thomas came to (out of his coma) and was able to coherently think and talk, he spoke of returning to the Academy one day and becoming an officer, as he had dreamed of in the past.  His determination was strong and fierce.

Although it took lots of time in rehab and time learning how to talk, walk and think, Thomas never said can’t.  He demonstrated an amazing attitude, something we can all learn from and strive to possess.  Today, Thomas is proving that hard work, determination and prayer can get us through anything.

Thomas is a TrueMan.  He is a man of deep faith.  He strives for holiness.  He works on living virtue.  He shares his life with those around him.  Thomas, keep up the great work, my friend.  You deserve many blessings.  Way to Man up!