Masculinity and Machismo

Hey everyone,

Continuing in from the previous article, I also think there is a huge difference between Masculinity and Machismo, and in today's world, I think the meaning of the two has been confused and blurred. So here is what I think.

Masculinity:
Of or relating to men or boys; male.
Suggestive or characteristic of a man; mannish.

Machismo (macho):
A strong or exaggerated sense of masculinity stressing attributes such as physical courage, virility, domination of women, and aggressiveness.
An exaggerated sense of strength or toughness.

What we see often in today's media is machismo. We men think women want guys who are tough, will bungee jump for them, climb mountains, go deep sea diving and so on. We think that the skinny guys, who are somewhat confined to their books and job have no chance with the women. We think women are attracted to well built bodies only, thereby forcing men to hit the gym. Guys, nothing could be further from the truth.

Women are looking for masculine men, all right, and they are not looking for tough, big built muscular men! There is a clear fine line between the two meanings. Being masculine means we men celebrate our being men: we take pride in the fact we are men. Being macho means we subvert and twist the meaning of being men, and go to the further extreme where we are in the gym all day long, ride roughly on the streets, talk brashly and so on.

In one simple sentence: women look for masculine men who are manly enough to be sensitive enough for them!

Good luck guys!

Mansur