Responsibility and Roles

Recently I took time to think about something I've heard my entire life. "As a man you are responsible for this or it is the man's role to do that. Early as a small boy I was told what was expected of a man by the people who raised me, then as I got older I was told by society in schools, on jobs, at church and once I become a man I being told in my home by my wife.

I have often wondered how does anyone really know what a man's responsibility is or what his roles should be better than the man in question himself. If I had a dollar for each time I've been told by someone else what my responsibility is or what role is mine I would be a rich man.

In my opinion what my responsibility is should be determined by me, I am the one best to determine what I can and can not do. What my role is should also be determined by me. Responsibilities and roles are not gender exclusive, I think the responsibility or role of anyone (male or female) should be determined based on whomever the outcome affects.

If I am better at getting the job at hand done than it should be my responsibility. However if someone else (sister, aunt, grandmother, wife or daughter) is better at it than it should become their responsibility. If I am a better cook should the family starve or eat things that are less than palatable because "it is not my responsibility or role to cook simply because I am a man?

I think responsibilities and roles are shared by all parties involved. Together we should look at what needs to be accomplished, figure out who is the best to make it happen and work together to accomplish it.

As a man I have determined that my responsibility and my role is to do my absolute best at what is needed of me to support the needs of myself and those I love and care most about.