KEG STANDS, the pursuit of easy sex and an unending stream of sports and food. Sounds like the ideal weekend to many. According to a new phenomenon called "Man Law," these are the things that satisfy the modern male soul. Inspired by Miller Lite beer commercials, a Facebook group was created that defines in 69 laws what it means to be a man.There are now over 300 Man Law derivative Facebook groups and the original group has 27,000 members.
Of course, I realize that Man Law is humorous and, in some instances, mild. But couched in humor, the ridiculous and the offensive are often excused. Peeling the humor back a few layers reveals important cultural currents. While most probably join as a joke or laugh at the milder laws, the widespread membership in such a group requires serious reflection.
The laws range from the stereotypical "men don't ask for directions" and "men need sports to breathe" to the offensive and outright crude.For example, one law states, "It has been made official that under no circumstances should the male have to pay for birth control." And, "we nail chicks. At no time do you ever refer to it as 'making love' when around your fellow men." Many of the laws are genuinely funny, but the most offensive ones point to a clear conclusion: culturally, men do not raise chivalry, modesty and decency above hedonistic, humorous pleasure seeking.
Despite Man Law's claim to speak for all good men, males who actively or passively identify with this group and find their lives reflected in the laws are not men -- they are juvenile boys. Manhood is not sex, crass humor and beer. True manliness resides in denying momentary pleasures and impulses for the sake of honor, respect, reason, self-control and strength.
In days past, a man who slept with a woman would be expected to treat her with respect and to offer more commitment than "I'll pay you the courtesy of calling a cab." Today, publicly licentious behavior is the norm and the expectation. Somehow, sexual relations have gone awry.
Steven Rhoads, professor of politics and author of "Taking Sex Differences Seriously," aptly said, "Grown men honor, provide for and protect women rather than trifle with their affections
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