Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Chocolate Covered Lies Part 2: All Men Are Dogs


Growing up in a household where music was played at a constant and videos watched daily, I came to grips with the many things I saw and heard. I remember being really young listening to "Rapper's Delight" while getting my sucker stuck on my cover (just hood with it, I know). I can recognize the times when I would hear Frankie Beverly and Maze play at a picnic while all the grown ups "chewed the fat" over sodas, beers, and an occasional cognac (some people love to get sauced when its warm outside). I even remember having the occasional rock and roll joint that captivated my senses. Hey, "Under The Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of the greatest songs of all times…in my eyes.

However, none has intrigued me more than George Clinton and all that P-Funk he was on. You have to admit, from the gratuitous outfits, to the insanely convoluted and colorful artwork, to even the subject matter of the songs, he was something to remember. And remember him I do. Not for the many times he has been sampled by rappers. Not for the fact that he still has colored extensions in his hair. Not for his drug influenced music (do your research). I remember him best for the song "Atomic Dog".

And no, I'm not a member of Omega Psi Phi nor is any of my immediate family members…that I know of anyways.

I remember the song for what keeps repeating in my head (besides the intoxicating melody and slinky computerized sounds):

Why Must I Be Like That?
Why Must I Chase The Cat?
Must Be The Dog In Me!!

Must it be the dog in me, though? Must it be the animal labeled "man's best friend"? Should I be reduced to a canine because I shamelessly "chase the cat"?

Here is my observation of the situation: all men are not dogs. Yes, plenty of us have doggish ways. Some of us can be just as uncouth and in need of home training as your street wandering mutt. But, no, not all of us are dogs. Some men are highly confused as to what they want to do. Others are, to put it simple and plain, single. And if a man is going to be single, he is going to do what he does and how he does.

So, please cut the antics about a single man being a "dog".

I see that the reference comes from the fact that a lot of men (especially those that are single) have a knack of getting with any woman that they please. Naturally, that would be our choice. In real life, it still is our choice. However, with the inclination that a woman that does the same thing is to be considered a "whore" and a "slut". Does that make a man a "whore" or a "slut" also? Should the man be considered lascivious because he has the freedom to sleep around?

Shit yeah, they should. But the problem is this: it's a standard of mentality that is being held by both men AND women alike.

This whole mentality was harbored since the time that we were taught values. Young men are allowed to do more than girls at times. Girls are expected to be a certain way, act a certain way and carry themselves to a standard at all times. Given that mentality, it is really hard to shake the fact that men can wild out and women are expected to be "more civilized". At times I see this as wholly unfair to the female race. It just gives them something to be morally in check by. Another issue is that dealing with sexuality; they lack the freedom that the men have been given after birth and during their rearing. That lack of freedom has led to some women believing in unrealistic ideals about themselves and relationships. Others just end up rebelling because they want that taste of freedom.

Sad case, I know. But that is how it happens. What you are taught plays a big part in what you do and believe. Period.

Then you have the differences between how men and women perceive sex and relationships. Now, this difference causes some big issues and misconceptions. A lot of times, men will see sex for just what it is: sex. Sex is a pleasurable experience that is shared between two people. It's an expression of lustful, animalistic gratitude outside of the boundaries of relationships, caring, and what have you. Therefore, its too easy for a man to have that one night stand. Yeah, a man can say "Suck me off" and then tell the girl to go home. It is not him being "doggish" (well sometimes it is). Really, it's the belief and attitude as to what purpose sex plays.

For some women (a nice amount), sex is an act you share with someone special. Although it is highly pleasurable for women, it can be considered an expression of "love" or "commitment" for a lot of them. A lot of women were raised to believe that sex is something that you either save for marriage or save for someone you love. How often does this work out? It rarely works, especially within this sexually charged era that we are living in. In the end, I can't blame parents for teaching this. Women also tend to become more emotionally attached to a partner. This can spell problems for those men that are out to get a quick orgasm and turkey sandwich.

So, men, please don't think she's being totally stuck up because she won't give you any. You guys don't have that relationship. Even if she does have outside-of-relationship sex, she didn't choose you, so get over it. Or try harder. Or step your game up.

Ladies, just realize that some men can be doggish. However, all of us are not. We view things differently. One isn't better than the other. One just suits a person needs better than the other option. That's all it really is.

I think I might need to write a book about this stuff.

Chocolate Covered Lies. M-Dot and Jay Abeyta. Coming soon.

'Nuff Said.

No comments: