What’s a Real Man? | Decoded | MTV

When you hear the phrase “real man” there’s a certain image that pops into your mind. Maybe it’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or LeBron James or Ryan Gosling and it’s most likely not, a small, quiet, reserved man who plays classical trumpet. So does that mean all those other guys are “fake men?” Well no. It’s that the question of “who’s a real man” fundamentally doesn’t make any sense. Why not? Well watch the episode to find out!

Special Thanks to our “Real Men” Benari, Tiq & Evan

Sources:

Manly Man Real Men:

Traits of Real Man

Women & Real Men

Toxic Masculinity

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[MegaLabano]

A real man is someone who thinks critically about what MTV Decoded is telling them.

[Heavy.O]

Alright now lets discuss what a REAL WOMAN is... this ought to be fun

[isthatkimmi]

wait, i thought to be a man you must be swift as a coursing river..

[MrDleef]

How to be a real man :
1.) don't be one of the "men" actors in this video.
#1 actually pretty much covers it.

[mattys]

If you don't want men to tell women how to be women, then don't tell us how to be men.

[rguimond]

Also, this seems to apply to only white "Frat bros"

What about hyper masculinity among blacks? How about middle easterners?

[jhhwild]

This whole thing about being a "real man" is all about trying to attract a mate. The only reason why "real men" has this long list of definitions is because it's a list of traits that are generally considered sexually attractive to women. They often contradict each other because different women like different things but they tend to follow a pattern. Traditionally masculine traits such as confidence, power, status, strength, toughness, emotional and financial stability are what a lot of women look for in a man, not because of society telling them that this is what they should look for but because they have a natural preference for these traits because it has historically helped them with raising children. If women in general suddenly started being sexually attracted to sensitive men who cry a lot then I'm sure the "real man" definition would change to reflect that. So women and their natural preferences are to blame for the various definitions of what a "real man" is. If you want it to change then women in general will need to go against their nature and change their preferences.

As for the heteronormative thing this is because generally speaking men are more visual creatures, they are more concerned with health and beauty. So when a man searches about how to be a real man it's usually a straight man trying to find out how to attract a woman, gay men don't have to worry about the same things as straight men. And besides only about 4.1% of Americans identify as LGBT according to a Gallup article from January 2017 so heterosexuality is the norm in most places.

[attieyag]

Real Men protects his family, sacrifices for his family, leads and teaches boys to be men. They respect women and support them. They love their communities and don't NEED to be validated. Their lives will bear it out if they fail to be real men.

[djnanneex]

A real man doesn't give a shit about what other people (especially women) tell him to do or not to do, and (ironically) this is actually what makes a man be attractive to most women.

[testiifiy]

What is keeping this channel afloat? Seriously what fucking wizardry is this powerful?

[Jonathanests]

Being a real man means showing respect and that’s it.

[Shabzayy]

Also... can you please make a video about womansplaining, toxic feminism and how women can better themselves?....thought so

[Gyovanny]

It’s ironic how masculine traits are “gender neutral”, but emotional expression is exclusively feminine

[hoganhilling]

Why is this question never asked, "What is a real woman?" Why the request for men to redefine their masculinity? Where is the request for women to redefine their femininity? Women have also asked men to show their feminine side. I’m sorry but I don’t have one. I’m a man and proud of my masculinity. I was the primary caregiver for 20 years to three children from 1991 to 2011. I was and still am nurturing, compassionate, loving, responsible, good at managing the household, cleaning the house, vacuuming, grocery shopping… traits people only associate with a woman. I was constantly told I needed to do the manly thing and go back to work. But I loved my role as the primary caregiver and was grateful for an opportunity to be home and care for our children. I never lost my masculinity. I smoked cigars, drank beer, fished, busted my friend’s balls whenever I could and other things manly. I have never heard anyone ask a woman to show her masculine side.

[K.I.A]

Someone that takes responsibility of his actions and goes through with it. Someone that isn't going to let someone disrespect him or anyone he loves. Someone that finds strength in hopelessness. That's what really makes a man in my view. And has balls between his legs.

[spencermanganiello]

A real man doesn't give a shit about petty crap like this.

[seanjenkins]

hmm i love how there are more dislikes than likes, the truth will always win out

[momandsoncookingshow]

If you are looking for the perfect "man", you are going to have a long wait. A real man is someone who is comfortable in his own skin and respects himself and those he is with.

[vkingpele]

"Real man" is about marketability. The definition is really based upon the type of partner you're trying to attract or if you're trying to attract one at all. Society defines it. Men should really focus on themselves in the early years. Keep the mind sharp, the body fit, and learn some hobbies or skills that you enjoy.

[stevendern]

I'm neither offended or enlightened.