September 2011: The Lost Art of Manliness

The modern man is generally a poor imitation of men that have gone before. Unable to put up a shelf, unfamiliar with traditional acts of chivalry and often obsessed with his own appearance, in the last fifty years the definition of what it means to be a man and a gentleman has been confused and distorted and forgotten.



VIRTUES OF MANLINESS

This amusing and insightful blog, authored by husband and wife team, Brett and Kate McKay, aims to uncover that lost art of manliness, examining the skills, manners and principles of manhood via a series of funny, informative and genuinely interesting articles. These cover everything from The Importance of Trusting Men in Your Circle and Manvotional: A Letter from General George S. Patton to His Son to Dressing Taller: 10 Tips for Short Men and A Manly Handshake: An Illustrated Guide.

Articles are divided into categories covering: A Man's Life, Dress and Grooming, Health and Sports, Manly Skills, Money and Career and Relationships and Family. Find out more about the ins and outs of opening a door for a woman, how to avoid conversational narcissism and how to start a fire without matches. The series of Hero Training articles offer workouts based on building the strength and fitness needed to tackle a heroic task, such as carrying a person to safety or chasing a purse snatcher.

BETTER HUSBANDS, FATHERS, BROTHERS, MEN

Although The Art of Manliness is a quirky and humourous blog, its underlying message is a serious one. As Brett says, "The feminism movement did some great things, but it also made men confused about their role and no longer proud of the virtues of manliness. This, coupled with the fact that many men were raised without the influence of a good father, has left a generation adrift as to what it means to be an honourable (sic), well-rounded man. I decided to start The Art of Manliness to talk about all things manly - both the serious and the fun, but with the ultimate eye toward encouraging readers to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, men."

This is a noble goal that addresses a serious issue within society. That the blog is so popular speaks volumes about its message as much as it does its inherent readability and good humour.

Emily Jenkinson

2nd September 2011