Since the dawn of man, man has been referred to as “man.” What’s up with that? Says a lot about society if you ask me (a man).
A dog is who’s best friend? Man. One small step for whom? Man. One giant leap for whom? Mankind. That’s just, like, whose opinion? MAN.
We’ve heard this for centuries. Man has certainly had his time in the sun, and the rest of the world is ready for its turn.
After systemically oppressing people different than them for–well, forever, it’s high time that men get a taste of their own medicine. Though not as prevalent as it once was a few years back, I still see and hear it all the time. A phrase that encapsulates the bitterness and rage that has built up over generations of oppression: Men Are Trash.
Sure, this may have hurt some feelings, but such is the case for many claims that are tough to argue against. Gaze upon the history of man, and see that it sucks. From being more annoying than harmful, to condescending to anyone around they can, to violent offenses such as mass shootings, men have not left a great impression on the world.
And personally, I love to see it being called out. I’m secure enough in myself to know that when I hear “men are trash”, the phrase is (probably, hopefully) not really referring to me. Obviously I’m far from perfect, but I recognize it, and actively try to avoid doing dumbass things that a trash-man would do (note: I am not referring to sanitation engineers/garbage men, who are heroes).
The reason we continue to see this phrase used all the time is not because it’s an insult–it’s motivational reminder. And a needed one at that.
Men all over the world are completely oblivious to behavior that is basically pulling on a garbage bag and hopping into a dumpster. Some men can almost wield their absurd lack of self-awareness as a weapon–never second guessing themselves, always completely confident in whatever they are saying or doing. Calling these clowns out is really doing them a favor–pushing them toward self reflection.
Cultural change always takes a long time, especially when trying to push change among a group in power, in this instance, men. But keep dragging men, kings, queens, and nonbinary royalty. We are making progress.
But another movement is also on the rise, gaining momentum and power with each passing day. It’s every bit as simple and elegant as ‘Men Are Trash’–the emerging ideology of: ‘Dudes rock.’
At its core, Dudes Rock is simple. However, when explored more thoroughly, this movement contains a vast spectrum of ideas about masculinity.
As we all know, many men rarely second guess themselves, often leading to poorly-thought-out actions which could hurt others. Dudes Rock allows us to celebrate a more innocent expression of the average man’s soaring levels of self-security.
This fella isn’t harming anyone, just enjoying himself in the park. He’s so sure of himself that even the hot summer air can’t stop him from enjoying his beverage of choice: buttermilk.
Alternatively, Dudes Rock also encompasses the more introspective man.
Dudes Rock has empowered men to stand up for themselves when they do get it right.
Perhaps above all else, Dudes Rock brings men together. Dudes Rock breaks through barriers built by decades of societal homophobia, clearing the way for men to foster more substantive, vulnerable, and intimate relationships with one another.
We can only hope that more Dudes will continue to Rock going forward.
Despite the obvious truth behind Men Are Trash, it rings equally true that Dudes Rock. Men Are Trash has spread through our society like freshly poured concrete, forming a walkway to a new, more equal world, where the unearned privilege of being a man will continue to be reduced.
The sprouts of plant life, which somehow manage to break through the cracks in the sidewalk to find sunshine, are Dudes. Dudes who Rock.
Room Temperature Coffee 