What does it mean to be a man? Surely, it’s not one thing. It’s a series of little moments that add up.
“Man Like” is a weekly Zikoko series documenting these moments to see how it adds up. It’s a series for men by men, talking about men’s issues. We try to understand what it means to “be a man” from the perspective of the subject of the week.
As 2020 comes to an end, we’ve gathered absolute must-read stories from the “Man-Like” series. The stories cut across money struggles, old age, to toxic masculinity.
Dive in:
1) Man Like…Fu’ad Lawal
The subject for today is Fu’ad Lawal, head of content at Big Cabal. His definition of being a man revolves around duty, loss, and being a baby boy beyond what a tough exterior might suggest.
I really like this one because you can tell how hard it took for Fu’ad to be vulnerable.
Read here.
2) Can Men Really Be Stay At Home Dads? – Man Like Pelumi
The subject of today is Pelumi, a pharmacist and a tutor. He talks about his great relationship with his dad, how his strained relationship with his mum affects his romantic relationship and why men can’t really choose to be stay at home dads.
I also really like this one because it shakes some tables. What do you think?
Read here.
3) Toxic Masculinity Is The Worst Thing That Can Happen To The Boy Child – Man Like Victor
The subject for today is Victor, and he’s the managing editor of TechCabal. He talks about the struggles of growing up effeminate, the challenges of toxic masculinity and what it means to be human.
This one works for me because it’s so honest, so human, so relatable.
Read here.
4) “I’m Not Scared Of Death, But Old Age Terrifies Me” — Man Like William
The subject for today’s “Man Like” is William. He’s a husband, father and entrepreneur. He talks about being scared of old age, the benefits of contentment and why a supportive partner is everything.
This still remains the oldest subject in the “Man Like” series. It was such a wholesome story for me because it touches on a fear I have – getting old.
Read here.
5) “Therapy Is Helping With My Anxiety About Money” – Man Like Dwin The Stoic
The subject of today’s “Man Like” is Edwin, popularly known as Dwin The Stoic. He talks about quitting his 9-5 to pursue music, his anxieties about money, and how he navigates the expectations of masculinity.
Money is at the center of our lives and it was refreshing hearing someone speak so openly about their struggle.
Read here.
6) Demanding Better Is Not Strange To Me And My Family — Man Like Eromz
The subject of today’s “Man Like” is Eromz. He talks about being abducted for speaking up during the #EndSars protests, his plans moving forward after his release, and how his family supports all his decisions.
When someone speaks up against the Nigerian government, you had better drop everything and pay attention!
Read here.
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