User:Asiphe Vilo/sandbox

What does masculinity mean in African society? Where I come from (in the Xhosa culture) masculinity means that a boy goes to the mountain/bush, receives the ritual of initiation, and then returns as a man. But does masculinity end there? No, not at all. That's just the basis of manhood. That is the beginning of a new life. Masculinity, according to my way of thinking, can be associated with self-awareness. Knowing your roots, history, ancestry, and genealogy. It is therefore important that this masculinity, not to be taken lightly. But we are living in a difficult time, where those who should be called men have neglected masculinity. When you are a man, it is important to be strong, to show your strength in society, in the community, at work, and at home – to your wife/partner, your children, and your whole family. You shouldn't be a bully, so let's discuss your strength, men. Where do we see the strength of a man? We see the power of man here: • Being loving – a man should be loving, caring, and kind. He must pour out his love, share it with all those he is close to, including his family, friends, children, and wife. • In protection - a man, was given power/strength that surpasses that of a woman. He has the power to protect, protect his family, and his home. He does not encourage the abuse of women at the hands of a man. Protection is not limited to saving those it loves from death, and from accusations. Protection includes warding off the beasts (side chicks) who intend to kill/destroy his marriage/relationship with his wife. • Respect/being respected - the fundamental truth is, respect is something that is given so that you can receive it. Respect is earned, you can't be a bully but expect people to respect you. This respect we are talking about, includes respect for your family, your spouse/partner, and also respect for your children. • Intelligence and wisdom – are important if you are a man to have traditional sense, especially if you are a traditional man, or a man who follows the Christian religion. Building a household and building a family in a black society, requires a man with intelligence and wisdom. • Respect - if you are a man, you are a leader, if you have a family, you are the head of that family. But the most important things when you are a leader are: Listening, communicating, prioritizing people's feelings, accepting the mistakes of others, encouraging success, and making good decisions. • Maintenance - a man, as he is the provider of the entire household, must ensure that his family does not go to bed without food. • Loyalty – a man who is untruthful and a liar is not attractive at all. I encourage the honesty to all men. • Fairness – when you are the head of the household you must be fair, treat everyone equally, no one should feel less valuable than the other. Like a polygamous man, he must be fair to his wives, no one should feel less loved than the other, or less valuable than the other. This justice is important even after the man has passed on. In his Will no one should be deceived - especially children, everything should be divided equally amongst all of them. • Bravery and fearlessness – A man as a protector of the home, should not be a coward, he should not be weak (physically and emotionally). That's right, I'm sure no girl wants to be with a cowardly man who, even if they are attacked, will hide behind his wife's petticoat. My brothers and sisters, there are many manly lessons, they are not limited to the ones I have mentioned above. The meaning of masculinity is much more important than we think. Asiphe Vilo (talk) 16:26, 7 November 2022 (UTC)