How Do You Measure Your Manhood?

Some men measure their manhood by a ruler. Others may measure it by characteristics within one’s personality, like my brother.

I asked my brother, how do you measure manhood? He stated characteristics that are fitting of any human; Integrity, respect, spirituality, just to name a few. But he is a man with sense, pride and dignity. So the type of response he gave is fitting of him. Not all men are like my brother.

Today, as I passed by the local methadone clinic, a cluster of men was measuring their manhood. No one had a ruler out. It wasn’t that type of party. But what they were doing was something I’ve never actually engaged in conversation about on a street corner. Not that I stand out on street corners. That isn’t something, I have time or care to do.

As I was passing by, I hear one of the gentlemen say, “I have four babies’ mommas.” “Oh word,” another one says, “I got six.” As if to outdo the first gentleman. As each one of them went around in what seemed to be the usual morning banter, it came clear to me how sad their lives must be. Not for them, but for their kids.

For one, the scene wasn’t right. They are standing outside a drug rehab spot. Secondly, out of all the kids these men claim to have fathered, how many do you think actually saw or supported any of their kids? It puzzled me how they talk about their children like they are ‘fuck trophies’ and not human beings.

Imagine your father standing on the corner talking this same mess about you?

This is the world we live in.