what I know about being a man

I'm a man who's thinking about the big picture in life.  The little things don't bother me.  Life is too short to be concerned with the little things.  Don't let those little things effect the big picture.  Most people do.  But I don't.  I've got big dreams and the paparazzi is following me around Brooklyn.

What do I know about being a man?  I know that men need to feel like they're contributing in some capacity to feel relevant.  The problem is is that men have never considered contributing in any other way than they know how.  Men don't like change and they like what they know.  Most men I know still hang out with either their high school friends or college friends.  They don't like to meet other "dudes" because they don't like to open up to strangers especially strangers that are other men.  But no man that came before us knew more about being a man than we do.  No one defined "Manhood" or "Manliness" and those terms don't even sound relevant today.  The new modern man is adapting to the times.  He's more sensitive because he spends more time with women in the workplace and kids at home.  He's more understanding.  He's more intellectually engaged and cares more about traveling and experiencing life than refurbishing his man cave.  He's less self consumed and more at peace with nature.  Aren't we tired of the old stereotypes of men?  One of my male inspirations is Spike Lee, as a filmmaker and as a man.  As a father and an artist who isn't afraid to push boundaries.  To question the status quo. When I found out he grew up in our neighborhood, I took a picture of the block he grew up on:

Spike is still making great films that are both artistic and have a deeper message.  He still plays an active role in the community.  He's great father.  In an recent interview, Spike talked about his childhood and how every kid had to play a musical instrument.  The fact that he took the time to talk about something other than the film he was plugging in the article is a testament to what kind of man Spike is.  Because he uses his status to help change the status quo. And that's a sign of a great man. And that's what I know.

DZ