A beer drinking, car fixing, dirty overall wearing man at work. Original art by SOFREP
In a world that feels like it’s gone through more changes than my SEAL training drills, there’s been a distinctive shift in the way we talk about gender and identity.
For the straight man trying to find his bearings amidst the storm of ‘they,’ ‘them,’ and ‘ze,’ the current landscape might seem like navigating a particularly treacherous night dive. But fear not, fellow straight shooter, I’m here to guide you through these murky waters with some weapons-grade wisdom.
Where’s My Manly Compass?
There was a time when a man could walk into any bar, extend a firm handshake, and plunge into a conversation about sports, combat training, tire changes, or the intricacies of a classic carburetor. Now, however, our cultural conversations have evolved, adding a layer of complexity to our dialogues.
The Straight Guy’s Briefing
Decode the Language: Just as you’d master the lingo for a high-stakes operation, get familiar with the diverse world of pronouns. It’s the mark of an ever-changing society. Knowledge is power, after all.
Pronouns ≠ Threat: If someone shares their pronouns, they’re letting you into a part of their world. Acknowledge it with the respect and curiosity you’d show when learning about someone’s military background or latest adventure.
Stay True: Being straight and understanding the new norms are not mutually exclusive. Your identity remains intact; you’re just gaining more tools for your interpersonal arsenal.
Deploy Humor: In a world filled with diverse perspectives, a sense of humor is your best ally. It helps bridge the gaps and smooth out misunderstandings.
Adapt and Conquer: In the SEALs, adaptability is our second nature. So, embrace change with the same spirit you’d approach a new training regimen.
While the current narrative might seem like uncharted territory, being a straight man in this era is just about gaining a new perspective. With an open mind, a dash of humor, and the resilience of a Navy SEAL, you’ll not only make sense of this brave new world but also learn to appreciate its rich tapestry.
In a world that feels like it’s gone through more changes than my SEAL training drills, there’s been a distinctive shift in the way we talk about gender and identity.
For the straight man trying to find his bearings amidst the storm of ‘they,’ ‘them,’ and ‘ze,’ the current landscape might seem like navigating a particularly treacherous night dive. But fear not, fellow straight shooter, I’m here to guide you through these murky waters with some weapons-grade wisdom.
Where’s My Manly Compass?
There was a time when a man could walk into any bar, extend a firm handshake, and plunge into a conversation about sports, combat training, tire changes, or the intricacies of a classic carburetor. Now, however, our cultural conversations have evolved, adding a layer of complexity to our dialogues.
The Straight Guy’s Briefing
Decode the Language: Just as you’d master the lingo for a high-stakes operation, get familiar with the diverse world of pronouns. It’s the mark of an ever-changing society. Knowledge is power, after all.
Pronouns ≠ Threat: If someone shares their pronouns, they’re letting you into a part of their world. Acknowledge it with the respect and curiosity you’d show when learning about someone’s military background or latest adventure.
Stay True: Being straight and understanding the new norms are not mutually exclusive. Your identity remains intact; you’re just gaining more tools for your interpersonal arsenal.
Deploy Humor: In a world filled with diverse perspectives, a sense of humor is your best ally. It helps bridge the gaps and smooth out misunderstandings.
Adapt and Conquer: In the SEALs, adaptability is our second nature. So, embrace change with the same spirit you’d approach a new training regimen.
While the current narrative might seem like uncharted territory, being a straight man in this era is just about gaining a new perspective. With an open mind, a dash of humor, and the resilience of a Navy SEAL, you’ll not only make sense of this brave new world but also learn to appreciate its rich tapestry.
Every generation has faced its unique challenges and complexities. Just like explorers of old who encountered new terrains and cultures, straight men today are navigating a societal landscape that is both unfamiliar and intricate. This shifting paradigm has introduced terms, concepts, and expectations that can make even the most confident of us scratch our heads in puzzlement.
However, as with any uncharted territory, success isn’t about having all the answers, but about one’s approach to discovery. An open mind acts as our compass, guiding us through a multitude of diverse viewpoints and experiences. Instead of seeing these changes as threats to traditional manhood, consider them opportunities for growth. Embracing the unfamiliar can reveal insights that might have remained hidden in a more homogenized world.
Now, throw in the resilience of a Navy SEAL – that unyielding spirit that doesn’t buckle under pressure. The modern narrative demands tenacity. It’s about standing firm in one’s identity while also being malleable enough to change preconceived notions. Just as a SEAL wouldn’t retreat from a challenging mission, straight men today shouldn’t shy away from this journey of enlightenment. It’s a test of endurance, patience, and adaptability.
In the Netflix-infused, gluten-free, kombucha-sipping era of today, the straight, tire-changing man seems to be headed for the endangered species list, right between the dodo bird and VHS tapes. Remember the days when chest hair was a badge of honor and not every garage was converted into a yoga studio? When “fuel efficiency” meant how many beers one could down without a bathroom break and not how many miles per gallon your electric scooter gets? But fret not, my rugged comrades! Instead of being eclipsed by avocado toast and plant-based burgers, it’s time to double down and embrace that innate manliness. Wear those oil stains on your shirt like a medal of valor, stride confidently in your steel-toed boots amidst a sea of vegan loafers, and when someone asks if you do Face Yoga, smile and reply, “No, I just lift heavy things.”
Here’s to you, last of the Mohicans, keeping the dream alive one tire rotation at a time. Cheers!
If this resonated, please share in a manly way.
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One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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