Can machismo be a good thing?

Question

Nowadays machismo is always connotated as toxic masculinity, but I don't think the two things are the same.

Machismo in my opinion also entails honorable aspects such as being truthful and honest, give respect as long as it's given; and nurturing sides such as protecting the weak and using strenght to make sure people we care for don't get exploited or abused.

I'm not one of those "megachad" types, but when it comes to my family, wife and children, and be respected myself, I'm not shy of breaking out my cojones, formality be damned.

Sleeper07 · Accepted Answer

Often times in my life where I have experienced macho personalities they tend to be needless bullies who end up embarrassing themselves because of an excessive degree of ego. When I think of macho I only think of a man appearing tough in front of others for the sake of appearing tough.

A good example of this is Myron from the fresh and fit podcast who literally becomes aggressive with females on his show, like degrading them just to boost his ego and breaking their spirits on live air. He really tried to put up this super tough guy persona and really he was bashing on women in the most cruelest of ways thinking that he was in the right.

When in fact, he is wrong. I remember he was like telling this girl to not interrupt him, and she kept fucking with him because he's a bitter dude. Like dude was getting all aggressive for no reason, with the "put this woman in her place" attitude, which really was not necessary considering she wasn't being hostile with him either.

And this kind of behavior eventually led to Myron saying that he will take whatever guy out. And then lo and behold a dude literally pulls up to his apartment asking for a one on one brawl and calling him a pussy and shit.

Myron didn't do anything, he ended up calling the police and just brandishing his gun (legally) on the dude but never pointed it at him. The guy legit stepped INSIDE his apartment and blocked he doorway, I'll never forget it even the girls that were leaving on the way out called him a pussy.

So overall no I don't think Machismo can be a good thing.

I also remember this dude in the gym I go to he was bullying this guy for recording himself working out. Possibly to get his girlfriend to see him as weak or something. And as a result she still stuck with the boyfriend. Dude the behavior backfired on the guy so hard it made him look foolish and achieved the opposite of what he was going for.

Masculinity is more stoic in nature, understanding the value of not being swindled over emotions and only macho-ish when it's necessary like you said when it's actually needed.

jshm2 · Accepted Answer

No.

The problem is (as in your picture) too many people take "machoism" and "machismo" to mean being criminal, rude, or aggressive.

When in fact what it means is very different from country to country, culture to culture.

AmandaYVR · Accepted Answer

I don’t think your definition of machismo is accurate.
What you describe may be a strong, protective genteman.
I am anti-machismo. I don’t have time for all that posturing and confrontation.
But I respect a strong, controlled man, who is level-headed, and stands up for what is right, just.

LittleSally · Accepted Answer

I would guess it all depends on the definition you give it. Your definition sounds very reasonable, and then I would say I operate under that principle as well, even though I'm not a man.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

People wll argue wth you because they use the words "macho" and "machismo" to mean Neanderthal masculinity. You want to refine the meaning of the word and the others don't want to do that.

ManOnFire · Answer

So your definition of machismo is not really machismo. It's what real masculinity is, and you have the right idea.

Machismo is male bravado, "alpha"-ism, ego, being afraid of not being seen as the cool or dominant man, and needing to impose your presence on others. Machismo is a negative thing and is rooted in Spanish and Portuguese terminology ("macho").

blueonblack22 · Answer

Yes but you got to be able to back it up. Easy to overdue and people will see through it easily.

Some people can “fake it to you make it” but most can’t. So you better be solid if the rubber hits the road.

TrueConfection · Answer

Confidence yes. Machoism seems a little too boastful.

gorydetails · Answer

There's no such thing as toxic masculinity. It's a term that feminists came up with to shame men. It should be rejected outright.

Dargil · Answer

It just an expression of masculinity. Generals Washington, Patton, Grant, Sherman, JEB Stewart and Custer were Macho. We need these men because most of the rest of us are pussies, including me.

420Rachel · Answer

Any time I see that word I think of this glorious song:

sage2021 · Answer

I don't see anything wrong with it. I think it is a very good trait to be.

exitseven · Answer

i always suspected that down deep most of these guys are cowards.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I don't believe in that style personally, but I don't have a problem with other dudes who are like that. I can respect it.

misogynistic_pig · Answer

Machism is good as long as it benefits man. If you believe that machismo is based on protecting women you are not macho is just a magnia.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Let's put it this way, when the shit hits the fan, NO ONE looks to soy boys to save the world.

007kingifrit · Answer

it is never NOT a good thing. it is the basis of a strong civilization

SnowedIn · Answer

Some, yes. But there's a fine line.

Agape93 · Answer

Sure. Nearly anything in moderation can be good

Anonymous · Answer

I would say it's a very fine line.

Can machismo be a good thing?

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