It’s a good phrase. Somehow this blog reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem “Birches” (I study English literature) Read it, and see if you agree…
And of course, “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath.. it pretty much describes the role/responsibility a father has

I wholeheartedly, totally, fully agree with Jeffrey, more blogs on this topic. Discussing themes like this really helps discover why men and women might have problems in dating/relationships..

My father is overprotective and controlling (he still tries to control me =S) and has always demanded respect of me, without giving me any reason as to why I should respect him. Pretty sad, the way he intimidated “respect” out of me.. I guess it’s in our culture (my parents are indians, whereas I am born in Norway) to confuse obedience with respect…

However, I found my male role models in my male teachers througout my early school years, I guess that pretty much saved me. I had such respect for them, and they respected me soo much in return. I realized finally what was missing in my own home, and why it was so..

It could’ve fucked me up, but I consider myself to be lucky and happy and clear sighted as to understanding why things are the way they are..

I know that the man I am going to have kids with (in the future future)
needs to be a good role model (I believe there are role models, father figures and just fathers) to my kids.. Teaching good values is pretty hard, as you change and gain new values yourself almost all your life:)

I think I’m finished with this comment…

For now

I’ve never found everything I wanted to learn about being a man from any one role model. I have however found several incredible male role models through out my life who’ve I learned a thing or two from. None of them were perfect but they each excelled at one or two things and were willing to teach me.

I prefer learning from folks who can lead and teach by example. I’ve never really believed in or paid much attention to folks who could talk a good talk yet not practice what they preached. The other important thing is that they have to really give a shit and care about me. I also prefer someone who has similar values as me but can also challenge me with new ideas. I also agree with what David wrote here, “it’s just somebody stronger than you that can teach you the ways to become a man.”

Do you think guys can have role models via the internet or is a role model someone that you interact with face to face or both?

I’m gonna have to use that phrase again: “women want bamboo trees… not rocks” ;p

I’m sure people are going to look at me very funny!

To everyone else who talked about their fathers, no father is the perfect role model. I realized that your father taught you the best he knew how. But it’s still interesting to see how better certain fathers prepare their sons for manhood than others.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

1) Make sure you pay your rent and don’t with your parents.
2) Do not try to hit on any women in a restaurant.

But David, what if you like some waitress and you wanna ask out. What do you do in that situation?

I want to hear your thoughts about that.

Thanks.

This has always fascinated me. The nature of men and the nature of women. Women relate and bond, whereas men stand “alone”.. sort of..
And it has affected the development of ethics throughout history, dating back to ancient Greece (Aristotle and the gang)

But great post, David (and Khiem)!
We don’t want rocks, we want bamboo trees

They, like my father, can be amazing people with extraordinary traits, but may simply have no clue how to teach their son about women (and other related things). So most people have to figure women out on their own! scary!