The Refined Cowboy: Redefining Masculinity, One Blog Post At A Time
New blogger Bryn with fiancee Dee
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The traditional image of a heterosexual male
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7/6/2016
Having often been described as metrosexual (which, as an unmaterialistic country boy, isn’t true but has always been accepted as a compliment) the issue of masculinity is one I have given considerable thought to. For some, it can be defined by the icons of low brow art (John Wayne, Jason Statham and the image of countless football stars), while for others it is characterised by the attempt to avoid the baser, brutish approach to life, to be a thinking, thoughtful and intelligent being. I fall into the camp where reading, reason and a regard for others are not considered queer, but the epitome of being a man. It's time that being a man was defined more by brain than brawn.
THE COWBOY
As a modern heterosexual man I feel like the traditional image of masculinity is outdated and incorrect. Men should feel free to be sensitive, thoughtful and open. The old image of the Marlboro Man cowboy as the archetypal ideal of masculinity (amongst other things strong, silent and solitary) needs to be put to rest (although I do acknowledge that since the release of Brokeback Mountain (2005) the image of the cowboy as the epitome of the heterosexual male has been strained).
THE REVERSE COWBOY
REVERSE is an acronym I developed for the principles behind the modern man, not only qualities he should live by but strive to improve each and every day. The neo-masculine man of the 21st century should be…
R - Respectable (Demonstrate an altruistic philosophy)
E - Educated (Committed to learning and growing as a person)
V - Versatile (Open to new experiences and endeavouring to excel at new interests)
E - Enlightened (A pragmatic Platonist, aware that there is more to the world than the eye can see)
R - Resourceful (Willing to explore unconventional solutions to challenges)
S - Stylish (Looking his best not for vanity but as a sign of respect for himself and others)
Much of this blog is a chronicle of my life as I attempt to live by these values.
THE BLOG
With help from my fiancee Dee and our cat Lady Mia Pussington this site is an effort at conveying our thoughts, feelings and experiences with the world. It is a portal for discussing news, events, travel, books, films, music, clothes, food, relationships, work and even general household maintenance.
We hope you can join us on the adventure.
