Definitely Male, Macho and Beyond

Elberon, NJ June 4, 2000 Aaron H.
Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then. Opinions pro or con are welcome. DEFINITELY MALE, MACHO AND BEYOND
I see and register a lot in my travels besides the boardwalk in Long
Branch. There are a great many individuals alone or in small groups who
walk, stroll, huff and puff, or grandly strut in both directions along the
Atlantic Ocean. One half are definitely male, some are macho and some are
beyond description.

The joggers are out, some in uniform, but most with heads down doggedly
marking the distance they want to go. Some grandly endowed individuals sail
along with heads up, muscles gleaming with the effort taking long strides
and sounding like steam engines with feet stomping out a plank shaking
rhythm as they announce their presence, pass and disappear into the
distance. Some display massive amounts of flesh showing off. One very
short and skinny fellow this morning had his shirt and jacket off hanging
from his hips and swaggered calling attention to his manly attributes.

Then there are the older, used to be, and maybe hoping for a little more
time guys who hold onto the railing and take a few steps and, encouraged by
a small success, try a few more. One, whom I have seen for over ten years,
has a slightly withered leg and limps bravely along. Another is an old
friend who waves at me and has a few words sometimes as I pause in my quest
to return home and pry myself off the bike.

The bicycling contingent is usually out passing me swiftly, sometimes waving
or exchanging good mornings. These are usually dressed like me without
effort to belong to a disciplined group. Most, unlike me, are riding thin
tired narrow seated spidery vehicles that allow them to speed noticeably
much faster than I can manage.

Finally there are the lovers. These are of all persuasions and make out in
the sight of all - one half of whom are male, macho and beyond.
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10

(A follow-up on "I Made 3 Cents This Morning" concerns responses that did
not recognize the pennies pitched to mock Jews as moneygrubbers. Jewish
Students at the University where I taught bitterly complained that their
fellow classmates tossed pennies at them to see if they would rush to pick
them up.)