The “Real Man” Project: Corey Pierce

“It’s what’s on the inside that counts!” Going into The “Real Man” Project, we knew we’d receive several responses of that nature. It’s interesting to think that, when you ask a beefy lad like Corey Pierce and a stick-thin twink like Seth Knight what it means to be a “real man”, they turn out remarkably similar answers.

In a way, it dispels the notion that only people who are “less masculine” would choose to focus on internal qualities in a discussion about manliness. Then again, just because Seth is younger, smoother and seemingly more submissive, does that necessarily make him less of a “man” than Corey?

If you’re listening to what either of them had to say, the answer would be “no”.

– Dewitt

Photo credit: Bear Films

Click through to find out how Corey Pierce defines a “real man”:

What it means to be a “real” man…

To me, this comes down to more than just masculinity. Although it is important, masculinity’s not the only thing that one should consider when they think of someone as “manly”. Being a real man is more than just his demeanor or the clothes on his back. It’s the type of person he is.

A real man will be there for you when times are tough and knows how to stick around through the thick and the thin. Real men stick up for their morals, human values and integrity, instead of hiding behind power, muscles and popularity.

Real men are the teachers, mentors, big brothers and friends. These people put the needs of other people ahead of their own in order to make a difference in the world. Whether it is man making it his personal mission to stand up against injustice in the world, or simply a teacher who takes the extra time he wasn’t required after class to help a struggling student, these men are “real” men. They are also the men who know its ok to let others see them cry or admit defeat. They are truly inspiring people and strive to be the best they can be.

One man that I feel fits into this mold is Ben Cohen. Cohen is the embodiment of a true man, because he stands up to fight for what he believes in. He, not being homosexual, has taken a stand against homophobia and bullying by founding The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, Inc. where he has made it his mission to raise awareness of the long-term and often tragic effects of bullying. Cohen is an icon for the work that he does.

In conclusion, to be a “real” man, it’s not about what you are on the outside that counts, but what is on the inside—integrity, perseverance in standing up for what he believes in and helping others.