be a man / use your hand

I'd already come across the phenomenon of members of the advertising industry who take themselves completely seriously in their reverence for the power to mould public opininons and the ethical responsibilities thereof. I've never met such people in person; I imagine them to still wear McKinsey hats.

I can't completely dismiss them, though. Take this letter. Overwhelmingly a curmudgeon rant, but it also points to fundamental principle that I find, well, noble.

From a letter in Advertising Age, 4th Jul.:

RE: "Man vs. Man," (AA, June 13).

[The author] is the person you choose to tell the advertising industry who the American man is ... so it in turn can tell us who we are? [The advertising industry] has had considerable influence on public identity for decades.

If you're a man:
You're strong.
You're honest.
You're just.
You're disciplined.
You do what's good for your family.
You build your community.
You lead when leadership is needed.
You honor your commitments.
You lend a hand to those in need.
You get the job done.

(I hope you already knew this.) It was true in 1950. It was also true in 1850 ... and 1850 B.C. for that matter.

These things bring well-being to society. These things earn respect....

Fifty years of Madison Avenue, Hollywood, feminism and journalism didn't change these truths. What they did change is the number of people who appreciate them....

Spare us the narcissism. Step back and take a look at the human condition and make the world a better place ... if you're a man.

Richard Smaglick
Derry, N.H.