The 21st Century Gentleman

In medieval times, the concept was known as chivalry. In Japan, the idea is called Bushido. In more recent times they were known as gentlemen. These are all considered "societal ideals" that the male adult should strive to embody. Nowadays the young man is floundering without a strong guideline on how he should act. Many of the elder population would say that the younger populous should try to be like the gentlemen of the 20th century. Yet many of the practices are now outdated due to the technology boom as well as the feminist movement. Actions such as who pays for dinner, sending thank you notes, and many others are confusing to the young men of this generation. Now there are a whole new set of expectations that we (young men) are expected to follow and aim for.  It is very difficult to stick to many of the mannerisms which go along with being a traditional gentleman. The media plays a large role in creating the male identity for a generation and I feel that many shows and movies create models that aren't what young men should be trying to become. It may seem like fun to emulate characters such as  the men from Jersey Shore, or Neil Patrick Harris' character on How I Met Your Mother. Yet many of their actions do not encourage the most acceptable behavior. So where can a young man turn to find guidance in current times? Gentlemen icons of the past lived in a radically different time period, yet many current popular stars don't act as good examples for the young, 21st century male. There are many articles written about the topic and there are a few which I have found which seem to hit the nail on the head. I like how the articles tackle the subject matter and they provide a strong base to develop one's identity. I think that it is time for our generation to create our own image of an ideal gentleman for all to strive to become.

Guidelines for Modern Gentlemen:
Gentlemanly Etiquette
Being a Gentleman and a Player

For All the Fathers: Past, Present, and Future

Today is one of the two days of the year we celebrate our fathers. The other being their birthdays, but that is more for the celebration of the person as a whole and today is for the appreciation for everything they have done for us over all our lives. I especially want to thank my father who has done everything a son could want. Except for the fact he hasn't gotten an old-school muscle car to fix up with my brothers and I...fingers still crossed...but back to the point. Today is the day we should thank our fathers for everything they have done for us, helping us become who we are today. First off, in honor of those whose fathers have passed on, I would like to say requiescat in pace. You will be forever missed by those who love you and will always be in our hearts. Secondly for all the fathers who are imparting their wisdom to their children today, please do not ever stop acting in this role. There is always something new to teach us kids and we thank you for it, no matter how much we may not show it. And to the future fathers, strive to be the parent that would make your own father proud.
My father has become my role model and over the years, all I have wanted to do is make him proud. He is the best parent I ever could have ever asked for. My dad works harder than anybody I know of, is able to do anything he sets his mind to, is kind to everyone around him, and most importantly he loves my family and I more than we may think we deserve. Especially with all the pains and annoyances we have given him over the many years. The most valuable lesson that I have learned from watching him over my life is that hard work will pay off in more ways than one and it can lead to an incredible life. He has taught me how I should act as I become a man, and eventually as a husband and hopefully father. I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for all he has done for me and my family, especially over this past year with so much happening. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever known and I deeply admire all that you do.
Today is considered a "Hallmark Holiday" but few people deserve a day a recognition more than fathers. They are half the reason all of us who are living were born. So thank you to all the fathers ever, you are the reason we are who we are today.

Everyone Is Doing It...So...

What is it that everyone is doing you may ask? Well according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), almost every single student enrolled in college is affected by alcohol in some way, whether the student drinks or not. I have not reached the age of 20, yet I know people my age who probably have consumed more alcohol in the past couple of years than I will in the next 20 years.

Human Potential

The idea of human potential has puzzled me for a very long time. It seems like everyone I see isn't living up to their full capabilities, including myself. But there are certain cases which are in my life where I want to tell the person what they should be doing but I do not know how to go about doing it. The famed Winston Churchill once said, “Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential” and I think that this needs to be expanded upon. A person first needs to know what it is that they should strive for. I know of two specific people who are very close to me in my life who I believe have incredible potential but need just a slight nudge in the right direction and hopefully this will help them.
*Actual names will not be used to protect identities