Manimalistic  - for the "Un-Example Comp"

 
the vast majority of men are shit
liars, cheaters, deliberately cruel
Arrogant, sexist, egotistical, violent,
led around by their dicks, not by their minds
assholes, wankers, keyboard heroes, bullies
Narcissists, psychopaths, evil, thieves, rapists
child molesters, sick, idiots, dicks and pricks,
alcoholics, junkies, any hole is a goal,
no means yes, they are all asking for it
ignorant, cock-sure, mostly mindless
all women are sluts, worthless and weak
a small proportion of women are like men
the suggested solution was a good beating

My father was my inspiration
in these various lessons learned
as all of them applied to him
and I do mean all of them
I was destined for that traditional path
Glaswegian, heavy drinker and male
already a potential stereotype in the making
a Damascus road experience, a burning light
a moment of clarity, not divine just logic
I had a burning hate for my father
and my childhood with good reasons
and yet, I was turning into him

by a force of will, I unlearned his lessons
and taught myself a most important one
He was my example, I deliberately chose
to be the polar opposite of him in all things
Initially, it was a struggle needing heart and focus
logic and reason, and the bravery to stand up
but with research and the gaining of knowledge
I was able to change, we are all able to change
the lazy men never change or reach maturity
The lessons were self-taught and passed on

It is ok to be a man, even a white man
but to be a real man requires real work
A real man is never; cruel or indecent
all people and genders are equally valuable
he must be loving, empathetic and kind
must be respectful, never a bully
trustworthy, honest and never cheat
protector of the weak and downtrodden
brave, strong, the best version of yourself
Non-violent unless in righteous defence
a real man takes personal responsibility
he earnestly seeks knowledge and wisdom
A real man is open-minded and fair
and seeks to create justice for all
a real man is never a finished project
there is no such thing as toxic masculinity
each has the power to change
but only if you want to change
lazy men will ignore
thoughtful men are always open