On November 19th every year, International Men’s Day is observed. It focuses on men’s roles in society today, raising awareness on mental health issues that affect men. It also promotes gender equality and encourages men to be great role models to the young boys in their lives. Today the International Men’s Day is observed in about 70 countries.
Background
However, in the 60s, there were efforts to establish International Men’s day. Initially, there was a campaign for this day to be observed on February 23rd.
Thomas Oaster, the Director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies in Missouri organized an International Men’s Day event in Kansas City. It didn’t get the much-desired publicity. A group of men from Kansas City in the U.S was the first to observe this event in 1994.
In 1994, it was fully established by Jerome Teelucksingh, a professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. In his opinion, men needed a day separate from Father’s Day to celebrate men who weren’t fathers.
He picked November 19th, his father’s birthday, to celebrate International Men’s day because he wanted this day to focus on the positive impact of strong male role models.
How to Celebrate International Men’s Day
Every year there’s a different theme to mark this event. The best way to celebrate International Men’s Day as a man is to be a strong, positive role model to young men in your life. Don’t forget to also thank the men in your life for their positive impact and support.
Enjoy some jokes on men.
1. How much do you weigh, dad?
Dad: 80 kg. with my glasses on.
Child: How much do you weigh without your glasses?
Dad: I don’t know. I can’t see.
2. How many honest, intelligent, caring men in the world does it take to do the dishes?
Both of them.
3. Two men are on opposite sides of a river.
The first man shouts: “How do I get to the other side?”
The second shouts back: “You are on the other side!”
4. Two men sat down at a German restaurant for a 10-course meal.
After six of the courses had come out, one of the men remarked to the other, “I wonder when the sausages are going to be served.”.
The waiter overheard and assured the men that the sausages were coming out eventually by saying, “Don’t worry. The wurst is yet to come.”.
5. Why are women and children evacuated first in disasters?
So the men can think of a solution in silence.
6. A waiter gives a gentleman a cup of coffee. The gentleman takes a sip and spits it out.
He turns to the waiter and says, “Waiter! This coffee tastes like mud!”
The waiter, looking surprised, turns to the gentleman and says, “But, sir, it’s fresh ground!”
7. Today I learned about a new vocation to which I can aspire: Second Gentleman.
The only problem is, I’ve been told I don’t qualify.
8. What does dad have in common with the Euro Cup?
Not coming home.
9. Step-dad tells his step-son to clean his room
Step-son: Am I going to have to pour hot melted cheese all over myself?
Step-dad: Why would you have to do that?
Step-son: To remind you that I’m NACHO son
10. My dad always believed in learning things by doing them
so when I was a kid, he threw me in the lake.
Our society often downplays the power of a good dad. Sadly, for stepdads, there’s an even lower expectation, but I think it’s time to raise the bar. Here’s how to step up as a stepdad and be a hero.
