re: #31 wrenchwench

What if I’m fixing a pink bicycle? Is it still manly?

That’s probably well into the grey areas, but I don’t think it matters, nor does constructing any kind of context to make manly or not manly. The important bit to me is about how you feel about yourself. There’s a whole slew of stuff that’s traditionally things that “A Man Should Know” that you might learn to feel you are a competent Real Man.

However, stuff that is in the “A Man Should Know Or Do” category doesn’t imply that any of it is only for men or really all men should do it. I was brought up to believe that I should care for my own stuff, know how to survive in the mountains and other things. I was also brought up to be able to cook my own meals and wash my own clothes.

It’s more about being a capable person and doing things you enjoy. I love working on that Jeep, that’s really why I do it. It’s just fun to be able to hold it up as “manly”.

If that makes any sense. Traditionally male stuff doesn’t have to be exclusionary and likewise, being male in this world doesn’t mean you have to be a bearded wildman who knows how to duct-tape a log to the side of his truck to nurse a broken axle back home. It’s more important to be a good father and good at your hobbies and profession (if you’re a guy), and if you’re a woman, that all goes the same.