Male stereotypes were rampant in previous generations. Our generation is taking steps in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go. Here are my thoughts on the most standard of the male stereotypes.
1. Puppies Are Cute Okay?
Yeah, I'm a man. Does that mean that puppies aren't cute? Nope. I, a male, am admitting that puppies are cute. So are kittens. Plenty of things
He's adorable!!!! I just want to lay on the floor with him and rub his belly all day.
2. The Color Pink Is The SHIT!
Yeah, I'm a man. I also happen to love the color pink. Pink is an awesome color. If you pair it with black, you can get some amazing visuals. Shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, shoes, everything can include the color pink if done right. Just because an article of clothing has a small bit of pink on it doesn't mean I'm gay. It doesn't mean I'm weak either. Hell, if I want to rock some pink converse, then I'm going to rock some pink converse! Nobody's gonna stop me!
3. The Notebook Is Actually Pretty Good
Yeah I'm a man. That doesn't mean that I can't cuddle up with a friend, down a gallon of ice cream, and watch "The Notebook!" Hell, the last time I did that I actually kind of enjoyed the movie! Some people haven't seen that movie just because it's deemed a "chick-flick." Tons of "chick-flicks" have yet to be seen by men because they aren't "manly enough." Fuck that noise! Anybody can get enjoyment out of a movie. Ryan Gosling's character in the notebook is hilarious, crazy, and awesome. There's a scene where he hangs off of a moving Ferris wheel by one arm in order to ask out the main female character on a date. As a man, watching this movie gives me a new perspective on what girls enjoy seeing. Why refrain from watching a movie just because other people think it's for girls? Regardless of gender, you should give most movies a shot!
4. Yeah, I Cry
Yeah I'm a man. I've also cried heavily for half an hour periods. What can I say, I'm human. Crying is not an activity limited just to women. If you tell me "crying is for girls," I'm just going to shake my head and laugh. We're all human beings who can experience sadness, grief, and depression. Besides, you can even cry from laughing to hard, does that make you girly? No. If the dog you've raised for 15 years dies and you cry, are you not a man anymore? No. If your parents get in a car wreck and you cry at their funeral, does that make you gay? No. Crying is a natural human response to immense amounts of negative influences. If you're watching a cartoon and something in it reminds you of an ex who broke up with you and you cry, does that make you a pussy? No. If you watch a sad movie and cry, does that make you weak? No. If you cry after reading that *SPOILER ALERT* Dumbledore dies, does that make you a little bitch? Nope.
Quit being influenced by what other people think of you or say about you. Be yourself. Listen to your heart, and if you feel like crying, cry your heart out. Just make sure to drink some water and re-hydrate after, or curl up with a good friend and borrow their shoulder. They'll help you out of the funk.