This comment is by Sean, on the post Is Fighting a Part of Manhood
“One topic that has always been unclear to me is fighting, and how should a man handle himself when challenged, in one form or another. Certainly, if his safety, or that of his family/loved ones is in jeopardy, I believe that responding with a level of force greater than that which he is challenged with is warranted. However, I’m specifically referring to fighting that occurs when one person says something nasty about another person, or otherwise done something seemingly insignificant. To add some background, I’ve never been in a fight. I have been in a few scuffles here and there (i.e. pushing, shoving, etc.), but never in one where punching, kicking, and/or stomping took place. Hopefully that adds some context to what I’m going to say.
When you’re out somewhere, a bar or club for example, people are always talking. Sometimes they might actually say something to you, your significant other, or your friends. They might say something derogatory, to which you may say something back, hit that person, or just ignore the comment. When this situation happens to me, I generally try to ignore it, or maybe I’ll respond with some sort of “wise” remark, because, personally, I’d rather not get into a shoving match, or worse, because the offender was being a jerk. Typically, this rarely leads to the situation becoming inflamed, which I attribute to a lack of a desire to fight. I don’t want that to seem as if I’m some sort of imposing figure, but I feel as though most guys tend to want to “puff up” more often than “throw down.”
All of that leads me to my question: by ignoring the derogatory comment, rather than reacting and possibly getting into a fight, would my actions still qualify as “manly?” To each his own certainly, but if I must get into a fight it will be over something more meaningful than personal “pride” (I think we all know what type of pride I’m referring to).”
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What do you think? What would make you fight? Is ignoring taunts manly?
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1st- fighting is part of adulthood, it isn’t gender specific.
2nd- Sticks & Stones. F w/ me no big deal.
3rd- Poke me and draw back a stump.
4th & most important- F with the people under my protection and it’s time for the Curtis LeMay school of Social Interaction.
Couldn’t have said it better (especially #4) myself!
I think it depends on why you are ignoring the comment. If you really want to say something back but don’t out of fear of getting beaten up, you are the least manly. If you don’t fear confrontation, or getting into a fight, but just brush off comments because you are mature enough to not care, then you are no less manly. On the flip side, if you start shit because you are a childish douche bag, then you are definitely less manly. But if you stick up for the meek, or confront real injustice you are more manly. Hopefully… Read more »
I have to agree with your comment: “To each his own certainly, but if I must get into a fight it will be over something more meaningful than personal ‘pride’…” I have had plenty of black eyes, busted lips, and bruised ribs, and learned to fight at an early age. (quite well if I do say so myself) I (as a younger man) have had more than my fair share of fights over stupid juvenile pride bruising, and more than a few from my own mouth and bad attitude getting in the way of an otherwise peaceful night. I do… Read more »