Are men misusing their masculinity?

This is Africa, where men rule over everything. They (we) have populated the continent with our offspring. We have ruled over majority of the states. We have defined culture to serve our interests. A man eats the best parts of the meat. A man gets the best hut (sometimes constructed by women). A man was never questioned he accounts only to himself. And so on and so on....

In the same essence we also bear most responsibility for the status quo. For the harrowing headlines on new papers. For rampant corruption and theft of "public" coffers. For single mothers and derelict children. Most injustices against women are propagated by men. We pass over them in promotion solely because of their gender. We play them and leave them with our "mistakes".

Yet we solely blame women for almost everything. It is the woman you gave me- Adam started. She tempted me, we say. Did you see how she was dressed? She was asking for it. She was trying to trick me into marrying her. She also enjoyed it, didn't she? This is not the kind of work women can do. She does not know how to take care of a man. She thinks money grows on trees. She does not appreciate anything I do.

Is this how we have turned out to be? Cry babies who complain when things don't turn out the way we wanted them to? Where is the protectiveness that does not harm the ones in our cradle? Where is the pride of providing for our families? Where is the patriotism for our nation and preservation for future generations? Where is the pride of men? Is it concentrated in the muscles we use to batter and/or murder? Is it only wielded between the legs to whip it wherever and whenever we wish?

Here comes a defense. We are men by right and our choices define us despite the consequence. We are adapting to the changing society and some of these measures are meant to assert our position. It is in our nature. We are naturally rough and possessive. We are hurt by insubordination and will not take it lying down. We are weak “down there” and when dared we have to prove ourselves. We are the only ones suited and entrusted with these things and therefore it is our responsibility to keep order.

We feel free to use our masculinity and are unforgiving when women use their femininity. We are quick to accuse them of opening their legs to secure that job or promotion. Indeed we are responsible for soliciting for sexual favors before giving them the opportunities they rightly deserve. We accuse our wives of being unattractive and leave them for girls the age of our daughters. We proudly sport big pot-bellies but want our women sculptured into ideal https://cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images of goddesses.

Respect is a basic need for men. I am a man so I know. However, respect that is forced is only reciprocated by fear and utter detest. Women will respect a man that will genuinely love and care for them. Women will yield to the authority of men who have their (women’s) best interests at heart. Women are crafty to manipulative men and will repay in equally aggravating ways. So, as far as masculinity and femininity go; either side must accept and play their roles without overstepping common virtues that guide healthy human interaction.