It's a good question.

I was an overweight, sensitive, nerdy, smart kid. Growing up in the 80s/90s, I totally get the nerds vs jock divide (that I think was REALLY exaggerated on TV). I didn't play sports, I played computers games before they were cool, etc.

I TOTALLY get the Penny Arcade mindset.

The difference is, I fucking grew up. They are still nothing but man-babies in adult bodies who have never grown out of the puerile "us vs them" mindset. Thank god I had a based dad AND mom who both kept me grounded and kept me reading. I got in shape in my 20s. I started lifting in my 30s. Today in my 40s, I am more "pro-masculinity" than I've ever been before.

That doesn't mean I repudiate who I was as a kid. That doesn't mean I love meathead dumbass jocks. No, fuck those guys. Masculinity is Marcus Aurelius. Masculinity is Odysseus (not the Nolan one lol) who moved heavens and earth for his people and his family. Someone mentioned Tolkien--Masculinity is Tolkien who spent years crafting a moral, ethical, and Christian work, from tales he made up for his children. Masculinity is Tianamen square tank guy who died to protect others. Masculinity is strength, both mental and physical, taking responsibility for you and your family, and having the willpower to be you--to stand up to the crowd.