Much is said of the woman who works hard in and out of the home. Much is said of the woman who strives for equality in the work force and whose monetary reward earned, or lack thereof, becomes the measure of her equality. (Another subject altogether to be left for another day.) Much is said of the working woman. But what of the working man? I think he deserves mention.
I admire the working man of today. He has stepped in to take on some of the responsibilities that woman has worked hard to shed off her shoulders in the process of attempting to lose the title of homemaker. Man now helps with the budgeting, planning meals, shopping, cooking, laundry, washing, getting children ready for school, taking them to school, bathing and dressing them, feeding them, reading to them, playing with them, putting them to bed, fixing things, entertaining guests, and, often solves a problem without bitching and moaning. Man is a problem solver. He is brought up to be one. He finds a solution and he goes straight to it, regardless of whether it is what you want. He is pragmatic and solves your problem with a simple "you should..."
I appreciate the working man of today. He takes responsibility for his actions. He doesn't make excuses. He is, afterall, brought up to be the designated risk-taker even if the risk is emotional. Is not man the one who takes the ultimate emotional risk when, not knowing the outcome, he makes the first move by asking "Will you marry me?"?
I value the working man of today. He suppresses his sense of isolation when women or daughters are recognized as caregivers to parents even though in 2004, the NAC/AARP found 40% of all caregivers to be men. And though man is often made to feel less needed by the modern woman's lack of regard for his masculinity by seeking to be a single parent, he is still the first to rush women and children out of burning buildings, put them in lifeboats first and help navigate them through high waters.
I praise the working man of today. He is still chivalrous despite being "scolded" for his lack of sensitivity toward his "equal" counter-gender. Next time a car breaks down, chances are, it's a man whose going to stop and offer to help. Carrying something heavy? Chances are a man is going to offer his help with it.
I like the working man of today. He is as educated as his female equal. He holds a full time job. He takes on the homemaker responsibilities with pleasure and enjoys time with his children. He is responsible and takes over what once was the predominantly female role of caregiver. He is not as emotionally shut down as once thought he was, and he does not bitch and moan. He is helpful off-road and in house. He is chivalrous; and if his upbringing to protect and shelter has not been altered, he will do so with blind faith for his family, his spouse and child. Praise the man, for he is found in your father, your brother, your husband, and your son. Praise the man.
This I humbly speak...
