What Does It Mean To Be A Man
I have recently turned 18, and I have been wondering what does it mean to be a man? Am I a man simply because I have hit a certain age? Are there certain responsibilities that I am expected to fulfill? Am I a man simply because my actions now have consequences to me rather than to my parents?
I don’t feel any more mature than I did a few weeks ago, yet in societies(and the laws) eyes I am now very much my own person. It is as if I woke up one day and was expected to be a whole new me. Sorry to dissapoint I am still not quite a fully funtional member of society, and as such(at least in my oppinion) I am not yet a man. I do not know what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck working for my daily bread. I do not know what it is like to be in debt and working simply to break even. I am turning towards literature in hopes of an answer and rereading an amazing book “A Lesson Before Dying” I welcome any and all commentary.
Don’t worry… while you can currently vote, fight for your country and sign a contract, you won’t really feel grown-up until you can drink legally. That’s when you start to think, “Wow, I really AM an adult!”
And if you’re careful and lucky, you’ll never have to be in major debt or living paycheck to paycheck, so you’ll get to miss out on THAT part of being an adult. Not everyone has to go through that, thankfully!
Just have fun and remember: there are a lot more days ahead of you than there were behind you, and the fun is just starting.
I had the same feeling when I turned 18 and as I turn 21 in 2 months I have that same feeling again.
Well, I disagree that you should feel like a man when you turn 21, because
A) You still cannot rent a car
B) The Government can’t decide when you become a man; Does this mean that Germans become men before Americans because their drinking age is lower?
Being a man is a couple of things. Can you take the responsibility of raising kids or caring for anyone in general? Do you have awareness of other people’s differing opinions and point of views? Do you respect people’s decisions not to always agree with you? Can you survive without a caregiver? Do you recognize the consequences of each action that you take? Would you stand up for what you think is right (While still bearing in mind the gravity of the situation and each person’s right to his or her own beliefs)? Are you willing to make sacrifices for your beliefs?