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International Men’s Day 2020

November 19, 2020

 

Today is International Men’s Day – a day celebrated in around 80 countries on November 19th.

Looking after their health is something men aren’t always known for… Stereotype or not, it’s something we at Painted Dog think men and boys all over the world should take seriously.  

The theme of this International Men’s Day is “Better Health for Men and Boys”, aiming to make practical improvements to the health and well-being of the male population. International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men’s issues by:

To get some conversations started among the Painted Dog blokes, we asked them a few questions to delve a little deeper than usual. Check out their responses below!

Who is a male role model you look up to, and why?

Matt: My dad – he was a pro golfer in his heyday, but I think people most respect him for his genuine interest in people and being generous with his time than what he achieved on the course. Through any challenge (and he’s had a few in his life) he’s always kept a positive and optimistic outlook on life and has never lost his goofy sense of humour which is really inspirational.

Justin: Rocky Balboa – because I live by his famous words: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward.”

Bill: Matt Greiner (Drummer of August Burns Red) – super humble and respectful guy, but mega talented world class drummer.

James: Barack Obama – whether you agree with his politics or not (I happen to, for the most part), there’s no denying he has grit, heart, charm and cool. He’s someone I’d like to have a beer with and have definitely learned from him in terms of how to talk and present to big groups of people — something pretty important in this job! 

Sean: My dad – he’s always worked hard to provide the best life for his kids.

Andrew: Anthony Bourdain – even though he’s dead now. Was a successful and well-travelled celebrity chef / TV personality who never let his fame stop him from being a humble and ‘normal’ dude. He was open-minded, had great life philosophies, and truly understood how lucky we all are to live in such a culturally diverse world.

Ivan: My granddad is my biggest role model. The day I was born, he and my grandmother flew from China to look after me here in Australia. He dropped everything he had there to move to the other side of the world. He’s the strongest, kindest man I’ve ever known and is the reason why I’ve made it to where I am today. All I want is to be half the man he was.

Nic: Stephen Hawking – I’ve always admired not only his smarts, but how he managed to become a world leading expert while facing significant adversity.

 

What’s one male stereotype you feel doesn’t apply to you?

Matt: Probably that men have to be ‘handy’ around the house. I’ve always been better with my brains than my hands, although I reckon I’ve improved a lot since buying a home (forking out for a tradie is pretty good motivation)! 

Justin: That men love watching sports. Doesn’t apply to me – I have “SWADHD” (Sport Watching Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder).

Liam: Being handy. I don’t have a clue how to fix pretty much anything.

Bill: I put the toilet seat down.

Sean: I wash my hair at least 3 times a week! 

James: Oh god, so many… but I completely smash the stereotype that men don’t watch girly TV shows. The Bold Type, Emily in Paris, Younger – you name it. If it’s aimed at a female audience, you can probably guarantee I’ve watched it – and enjoyed it.

Ivan: Men don’t have emotions. This is FALSE. I have so many feels – I cry all the time, even as we speak.

Andrew: Cars are boring. Me no likey.

Nic: The height stereotype – for obvious reasons.

 

If you want to know more about International Men’s Day, you can read about it here https://www.internationalmensday.info/