Hum. Quite an interesting idea you are declaring, Lex. Men are still mesmerized by breast and compliments. Leaving aside the issues of breast for a moment, I’m taken by the idea that men are mesmerized when they are the recipients of a compliment. That is a highly unfortunate thing; I should like to think compliments aren’t solely designated to a particular group of people; in this case: women.
Madame Zora alluded to the prospect that a lot of this [men scarcely receiving compliments] is one of the reasons for the existence of this board. We are hardly strangers to the fact that men, in this society, are perceived to be tough, and dare I say it, callous creatures. Men are not supposed to succumb to their emotions, or, at least they are not supposed to have any outward demonstration of their feelings. What’s more, when they do anything to the contrary, they are often branded as weak – and in many cases their sexuality can be called into question.
I don’t think I need to tell you how this is unfair – it’s overwhelming apparent. Just like women, although maybe not in the same way, men need to supported and encouraged in almost every faction of life. Yet again, however, because of societal standards, men have been coerced into hiding their fragility as to not be considered vulnerable before their families, friends, peers, etc. And this is to be expected as no one wants to have their vulnerability exposed and be subsequently exploited because of it.
I say all that to answer the question: why do men narrowly receive compliments? The answer is because most people feel we [men] don’t need them. Society has resolved within itself that men are an impenetrable, durable force. However, for as true as it is, it’s equally as false; that is to say for as strong as we are, we’re just as breakable.
Quite honestly, I’m of the opinion that we [not only men but society at large] are in desperate need of a reshaping these antediluvian, unenlightened notions. Yet, as with most things, I will remain optimistic in hopes that one day we will become just a little wiser. When that day comes, that alone will give us reason to jump back and kiss ourselves.
