If I were A Man

I belong to a classification of people known as Women.

I am a Women. And with that title, there are many responsibilities. These responsibilities, however, differ from men. I was talking to some of my friends not too long ago, and one of my friends was telling me about his life, his struggles, and his actions. He was fresh out of a break-up with a girl he thought was “the one”, so to help him ease his pain, he and his buddies decided to party until the sun came up. I laughed at that and said I would call him later that night. That day when I left, I had a lot on my mind, when I got home it was past five and I was tired so I decided to take a nap. But a question came to mind, what would it be like to be a man. What would I do as a man?

If I were a man I wouldn’t care about how sloppy I am, I would roll out of bed and go about my daily routine. I wouldn’t have to worry about what the other guys may think if my hair looks bad if my outfit today matches my shoes, or the pressure to look presentable. If I were a man, I would eat whatever I wanted, and hit the gym with my buddies later. Because there would be no pressure to maintain a certain body shape. 

If I were a man, I would be easily qualified for any job regardless of my education, hard work, and my productivity because I am a man. I would be more reliable and hold better ground because men are more product, men are more reliable, men get the job done, men are better. If I were a man, I would have respect and gain higher-end jobs, because I am worthy enough to lead. 

If I were a man, I would be confident, dominant, and assertive, because that’s what men are supposed to. The strong, and independent hero for all women. I would take what I want, and not bat an eye. I would be the leader; my word would be above all else. In a relationship, I wouldn’t have to worry about my partner because she would be lucky to have me. I would always put myself first because what I do matters more, it’s more important…

If I were a man, I wouldn’t be able to show weakness, I wouldn’t be able to express my pain, I wouldn’t be able to cry. Men do not cry, that’s for the weak. If I were a man, I would have to pretend that I am alright, everything is good. Because no one can know that I need help. If I were a man, my job would have to support my family, “I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself...support those dependent upon me” (Judy Brady) and in a relationship, I would have to act dominant and assertive because that’s what is expected of me. If I were a man, I would be expected to look and act like the tough guys in movies, magazines, articles, stories. Because otherwise, I would be considered a wimp, or not good even when compared with other men who are more refined and look and act the part of strong men. If I were a man, I would be pressured to be a leader, independent, strong, dominant, assertive. To be a man.  

Who Would Want to Be a Man? 



It was past seven when I woke up, I reached for my phone and called my friend who just broke up with his girlfriend. 

“Hey, it’s me, how are you holding up?” I asked

“I’m fine... I’m ok, I’m alright” He replied with a sigh