The New Macho
The New Macho – One Vision of Mature Masculinity
Newsweek published a series of articles the week of Sept 20, 2010 on “The New Macho” and masculinity in the complex world that we live in.
https://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/20/why-the-new-macho-is-good-for-women.html
https://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/20/why-we-need-to-reimagine-masculinity.html
While it is certainly a difficult task to try and reclaim the word ‘macho’ as anything other than the stereotypical violent and out of touch guy portrayed in much of the media, the articles make some good points. One thing that we notice in reading them is that many of the men we know, respect and love in the ManKind Project represent the idea of the “The New Macho” very well. We call these men New Warriors. So bravo, men, keep on evolving!
The ManKind Project teaches skills for emotional intelligence and radical personal responsibility. Through men’s groups and trainings, we help each other become more resilient, more awake and more inspired to follow our purpose and live our mission. Here are some characteristics that a member of the ManKind Project has put forward as part of the’New Macho’ paradigm.
The New Macho
He cleans up after himself.
He cleans up the planet.
He is a role model for young men.
He is rigorously honest and fiercely optimistic.
He holds himself accountable.
He knows what he feels.
He knows how to cry and he lets it go.
He knows how to rage without hurting others.
He knows how to fear and how to keep moving.
He seeks self-mastery.
He’s let go of childish shame.
He feels guilty when he’s done something wrong.
He is kind to men, kind to women, kind to children.
He teaches others how to be kind.
He says he’s sorry.
He stopped blaming women or his parents or men for his pain years ago.
He stopped letting his defenses ruin his relationships.
He stopped letting his penis run his life.
He has enough self respect to tell the truth.
He creates intimacy and trust with his actions.
He has men that he trusts and that he turns to for support.
He knows how to roll with it.
He knows how to make it happen.
He is disciplined when he needs to be.
He is flexible when he needs to be.
He knows how to listen from the core of his being.
He’s not afraid to get dirty.
He’s ready to confront his own limitations.
He has high expectations for himself and for those he connects with.
He looks for ways to serve others.
He knows he is an individual.
He knows that we are all one.
He knows he is an animal and a part of nature.
He knows his spirit and his connection to something greater.
He knows future generations are watching his actions.
He builds communities where people are respected and valued.
He takes responsibility for himself.
In times of need, he will be his brother’s keeper.
He knows his higher purpose.
He loves with fierceness.
He laughs with abandon, because he gets the joke.
This is a picture of mature masculine, of healthy masculinity – it is one redefinition of masculinity for the 21st century. By no means is this list complete. You are welcome to come and add your gifts to this community.
©2010 Boysen Hodgson. All rights reserved.
Used with permission by the ManKind Project.
Take a risk and come to the The Adventure
We help men grow. Because the world needs grown up men.
