During a recent phone conversation with a good friend, my friend expressed his excitement over being able to watch the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) this weekend. Instantly, I
expressed my displeasure with the sport. Surprised at my response, my friend shot back that I needed to get more in touch with my masculine side. After much debate, the argument became more about manliness and what it means to be a man because UFC and manliness are connected.
My friend felt that, as a man, it is one’s responsibility to be able to defend one’s self, one’s possessions, and one’s family. In that respect, I don’t disagree. He then felt that UFC is a celebration of skill, technique, and achievement, taking man’s ability to defend himself to the highest levels. I felt that the sport was barbaric, was violent porn, and might actually diminish masculinity because a real man does not have to prove himself in combat or through acts of violent aggression. In my opinion, true masculinity is not judged in this manner.
After the course of the conversation had run and neither had changed the other’s opinion, I decided to pull the God card out. W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do)? I hardly believe that Jesus would be the type of man that would choose to embrace such a sport in light of much greater needs in the world. But I also believe that God does believe in developing talents – so long as those talents do good in the world.
Because there was much debate on both sides, I now ask you, the readers of the Jaren Davis Blog, “Who’s the Man?” And what discipline of masculinity is defined through their actions?
Nick
I’m with you in that I don’t find pleasure watching one human being pummel another, for just about any reason. But if two people are both consenting to have a go, and there is a limit to the extent of harm either is allowed to do to the other (not taking their life), then I’m not really against this type of “sport” either. While there are traits that are more common to men and others more common to women, I think it wise to cultivate balance in one’s energies (masculine/feminine) or traits and not swing too far either direction as that may generate the potential for dependence or being overbearing. I would agree that Jesus exhibited this balance as he encouraged turning the other cheek, helping your “enemy” when down, and protecting the innocent.
First of all, I am not advocating any type of legislation against UFC. I agree with you that if two guys want to pound on each other, as much as I don’t get it, go ahead, beat your brains out. Just curious MikeUtah, have you yourself watched a UFC match before?
Not in person. I’ve watched briefly on TV a couple times. Sorry if I came across as implying you we’re against UFC. I was just merely stating my opinion.
No need to apologize. I was just clarifying.
I have never seen UFC fighting before but seeing the attached picture is actually enough for me. I would only point out if dog or chicken fighting are considered inhumane then this should be considered so as well. Maybe the only place they should allow it is in the prisons so the inmates can get out their aggression and maybe head off prison riots.
In my opinion, a man does not need to do this type of fighting to prove he is a man – which is what I think they may be trying to do. A real man is one who does not need to prove anything to anyone. He is kind and loving to all mankind, like Jesus.
Interestingly, and maybe even a little surprisingly, I have never been in a fight in my life and I guesstimate I am probably about half way through it (life that is).
I like Teresa’s analogy to dog or chicken fighting. It is interesting to me that we hold these ‘professional athletes’ in such high esteem. Don’t get me wrong, back in the day (early 80’s) I found myself not only with unexpected amounts of testosterone in my veins, but also watching WWF and wrestling my friends in their back yards just for the fun of it. And it was just that…fun.
But, UFC is so over the top.
As for the point being discussed here, I would also have to suggest that UFC fighting does not embody manliness. The true measure of a man can be witnessed in the one who will stand up for what is right. A man is one who will speak the truth even if it is unfavorable. A man is one who loves his family…his wife, his children, his parents. A man is one who will love and honor his god and his country.