Clothing: The value of men to society

In today’s modern world, men are expected to fulfill several ethical and moral values that are preset onto them by society the moment they are born. These ethical values range from being the "successful bread winner" for the family to the "strong man" of Hollywood screens. Women often look upon and judge men, whether they are looking for companionship or not, based on the expectations that society has laid out for them. Does society have to define what a man should be? Should men have to live up to these ethical views? Does it help them or hurt them?

Before we are able to decide whether these views are good for men or not, it is important to understand the three major categories
that society (men and women included) divide males into based on moral values.

There's "bread winner": the smart money-makers, great business men, and the one many females picture as "husband material". They have an air that exudes a certain amount of success in their professional lives. Society presumes them to have exceptional ethical values towards life and family. It is assumed that they have the courage to stand up to what they believe in. "Employers look for character values such as honesty, responsibility, reliability and being goal-oriented from their employees," says Erin Shreiner from the Small Businesses website. "Bread winners" are expected to have these traits. Society brands these individuals as the ones who work behind the scenes in the business world to make society itself function the way it does. In this way, society places a high value on these working individuals.

These traits are exemplified in the clothes that they wear: nicely tailored suits that compliment their brilliance. Shown in the picture the suits of the two business address both the knowledge and the wisdom that they hold in their lives. It also shows the high value that society places on them. The picture to the right shows that the average "bread winner" is expected to wear to some extent. Society expects these individuals to dress in a classy way.

The "Strongman" is the "tough guy" archetype: muscular, strong, loyal, handsome overall. These individuals often have strong character, either subtle or more shown off. They have a strong sense of justice and morality that guides them in a lot of their actions. They will stand and fight for what they believe in even when it is for other people. Even though he is fictitious, Captain America is a good example of these attributes. He is a fighter that will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. "Steve Rogers [Captain America] has always had a noble and honest spirit, intolerant towards injustice and abuse of power. Since he was formerly weak and small, he has learned on his own what true strength is, and vowed to protect defenseless people at the risk of his own life," (marvel movies). These men also show healthy character attributes in body type, a strong enduring physic that has health benefits.

These strong character traits are also shown off in their manner of dress. Tight fitting clothes that show off his muscle and his strength. Often adorned with crests of pride, for example the U.S. star on Captain America uniform. Or, for so many American men the symbol of their branch of military. From the "Eagle, Globe, and Anchor," of the U.S. Marines (Marines). To the "HAP Arnold Wings" of the Air force. But, their clothes are also worn for the purpose of flexibility and usefulness in a fight or labor.

Then the last group that men are classified into are the "Undesirable". This is the individual who is frowned upon most of the time. It often reflects their laid back view towards life. Since this group consists mostly of criminals, street dwellers, etc, they are considered to be dangerous, shady and immoral. This is reflected in their dress through ill fitting clothes with loud designs, showing a disregard for societal norms. It can also be shown off in tattoos, often depicting images of a darker side to life. However, since society frowns on these types of individuals, as a whole society expects men to be the opposite of this category.

This group also has its attributes exemplified in clothing. The picture above is an example of 'thugs' expressing themselves through a mixture of clothes, chains, and other accessories. Society views this form of dress as one that shows off their darker motives. There are also those that wear baggy and beat up clothing, showing their obvious disdain for modern societal views and their rejection of them. Thus, society considers them to be less desirable due to these poor attributes and ways of expressing them.

So there are three main groups, two of which show off desirable values, and one not so much. But where do most men fall? Probably somewhere in the middle, where you do not quite identify with either of the three groups. These individuals who don't identify with a group make up a majority of the population. However, since society will always label and group men into classified group they are shuffled into the other three categories.

So, now that we know the groups that men are placed into is it ethical for men to full fill the rolls that society has preset upon them?

Yes, it is okay for men to full fill these roles that society has preset upon them. All the characteristics that the two groups of individuals that society pushes men to be are quite positive! By living up to these characteristics a male can actually benefit.

Men can benefit from the positive character traits that both groups portray, both intellectually and physically. Intellectually, both groups show their own courage and inner strength through soundness of mind. They both understand that having a sharp mind will always overcome obstacles that brute force or violence will not. To quote Buddha, "The mind is everything. What you think, you become," (BrainyQuote). 

Both groups also exemplify an active lifestyle whether its at work exercising the brain or in the gym exercising the body. People from both groups can benefit from physical attributes such as having a healthy body and staying away from harmful substances. Even if the exercise is not to the extreme they are gaining the healthy benefits that these types of exercises provide. "The benefits of maintaining a healthy body weight are numerous, not only to the quality of life, but also the quantity of life. Physically and emotionally, an unhealthy body weight is a burden," (fitday). These characteristics will help men grow their relationships and strengths and mold them into a better more ethical and moral individual. Exercising and maintaining a healthy body teaches the individual discipline, appreciation, and a hard work ethic. All of these attributes are essential to both the "bread winner" and the "strong man".

This is also true with the fashion of both groups,with what each group wears. Since the fashion is linked to the personality of the type of individual, it is okay to conform to these fashion trends since they are seen so positively. Fashion is an enabler to help people become more like these idealist characteristics. People are able to embody these characteristics themselves. They can show to other individuals that they uphold these traits. While many people may cringe at the thought of conforming, it is not necessarily bad. One can still conform and remain an individual. Conforming can make you more successful in future endeavors and  more successful in the minds of others.

In the same way, you don't have to be either extreme and lose your individualism, either. Remember,  most men fall into the fourth category. They show a healthy mix of the both groups while remaining themselves. These men exemplify both fashions and manners of dress to express themselves to the world. They are always forging their own way to a better happier life. As individuals trying to find a place in society, we should take a similar approach.

References:

-http://smallbusiness.chron.com/characteristics-ethical-people-workplace-15703.html
-http://marvel-movies.wikia.com/wiki/Steve_Rogers
-http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/5-benefits-of-maintaining-a-healthy-  body-weight.html#b
-http://www.brainyquote.com'quotes'keywords/mind.html#MdYwRT1LLIrLBeZ6.99
-http://www.marines.com/history-heritage/symbols#dressblues