Dockers’ Man-ifesto Tells Men to be Men Again

Wow, that made me feel inspired to go ‘be a man and wear the pants’ 😀 No, I take that back, I am very content with the role God has given me!

Very Superman/Clark Kentish in feel. I immediately shared it with my father, who will be using it during the Sunday service, I am not sure for what point yet though. It would be interesting to hear the reason behind why they came up with that specific ad, and what their feedback has been, up to this point. Personally, I enjoyed it.

I think that their vision of manhood is fairly accurate. They have pointed out that our world is falling apart, because most of our men have fallen apart. The men have been told that they no longer need to take the lead, their natural role. With that gap, things begin to crumble.

Unfortunately, because Levi Strausse is not a Christian company, they have missed the biggest point about the mans role as a leader. Primarily, he is the spiritual leader, and sadly they have avoided that. As your father has said, the man is his homes leading theologian. We cannot stay together without Christ. And if the leader, who keeps us together, is missing Christ, there is no way we can achieve the status of hero that Dockers is calling men to rise to.

Thank you for posting this wonderful ad, I really enjoyed it!

Grace and Peace,

Is it just me, or does anyone else see the irony behind LEVI STRAUSS being behind this ad campaign?

The SAME LEVI STRAUSS that pulled funding from the Boy Scouts of America because they actually KEPT their pants on and insisted that they would NOT allow homosexual scout leaders to have access to the young men of America?

WOW

I am a huge Levi’s fan. Their jeans have fit better and lasted longer than any others I’ve worn. I love Dockers and have worn them.

I became disturbed a few years ago when they pulled their support of the Boy Scouts — an organization that contributed great things to my masculinity — because the Scouts had a policy against homosexuality.

Earlier this year, I read about this: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052802.html (I’m sure there are many other sources for this news story)

While I’m excited about the campaign, I wonder what the side of the business that pushes a LGBT agenda thinks about it.

For me, I’ll continue loving Levi’s and Apple Computers. Both companies support moral decisions I am against. I will choose to look at the craftsmanship of their productions and what God does through them — me in my jeans and my work on my Mac.

Keep up the work, men. We need more like you.

i had to look it *up*

This post was really interesting—and I totally agree with what Margaret said above! God gave both men and women a role to play, and I believe we can honestly say that we’ve fallen short of fulfilling that role. Good post!

Wow! This is a bold move. I wonder how long it will take for someone to demand it be discontinued.

I’m almost speechless. 🙂

I think Dockers’ vision of manhood is pretty darn accurate. It’s probably only blatantly inaccurate for the fact that buying their khakis isn’t going to help any.

Men too often think that looking pretty, telling girls how to dress, being well-educated, having a platform to speak from, being opinionated, announcing their achievements to the world, caring about which team wins in the latest sports battle, doing things to win a girl’s heart, saying the truth in the way that the greatest number of people would agree, or having a leadership position is going to make them men.

In reality, reflecting Christlike character, treating all women as beautiful sisters and mothers to cherish, loving the wisdom of God so as to seek it wholeheartedly, doing and saying the right thing when no one is watching and/or no one agrees, listening well to others’ opinions and thoughts, quietly serving for the Audience of One, praying that his heart would break for what breaks God’s Heart again and again until it does unto his weeping for what God weeps over (then praying it again and again unto staying in tune with God’s Heart), doing things for the glory of God and with the motive of pleasing Him alone, speaking truth just as Jesus would, and leading in character and truth regardless of if anyone follows or if he is at the bottom of the tier is what gives wing to belief that he is no longer a boy (or a little girl).

Dr. Albert Mohler, from NA 2004 (stolen from the ‘Modern Day Gentleman’ blog post here at the Reb.):

“Among God’s people we understand that a man is to protect a woman; to protect a woman’s honor; to protect a woman’s heart; to protect a woman’s reputation; sometimes even to protect a woman’s health, her safety. Guys, that’s our job, God gave it to us. Woe unto the man who fails in that responsibility.”

John Maxwell, in his book ‘Talent is Never Enough,’ says on the subject of men leading (or “taking charge,” as the Dockers’ ad put it):

“Courageous Leadership simply means that a man has developed:

1.) Convictions that are stronger than my fears.
2.) Vision that is clearer than my doubts.
3.) Spiritual Sensitivity that is Louder than Popular Opinion.
4.) Self-confidence that is deeper than self-protection.
5.) Appreciation for discipline that is greater than my desire for leisure.
6.) Dissatisfaction that is more forceful than the status quo.
7.) Poise that is more unshakable than panic.
8.) An attitude of risk taking that is stronger than safety seeking.
9.) Right actions that are more robust than rationalization.
10.) A desire to see potential reached more than to see people appeased.”

(Test yourself: put your name in there and consider if people would say that about you, “Josh has convictions that are stronger than my fears…” etc. — then pray that God changes you.)

I think we should all go get some new pants. And I’m serious. We should react to this and show them that as they promote good and conservative messages, we will respond with our business.

They’re right on too. Wow. I’m impressed.

That’s so great! I agree…quite a breath of fresh air. Seems to me that that’s exactly the message men seem to be missing. Way to buck the system for the better!

This is great….BUT…I am surprised, confused, and find myself wondering where the catch is. Levi Strauss & Co. have long been staunch supporters of gay and lesbian rights. Why the sudden change of heart and direction? I support what they say in their “man-ifesto”, but am hesitant to say that I now feel comfortable with supporting and advertising-by-wearing their brand of clothing. I think we need to be careful and not allow a new good direction to completely blind us to the immoral stance they have previously (and I assume continue) to take. Yes, without a doubt we should commend them for this step, but not turn a blind eye to all else.

Woohoo! That’s awesome!!! 😀

This is so cool! I have always liked Dockers, (basically only because that’s what my grandpa always wore), but now I like them all the more! I will have to buy some for my brothers for Christmas, because this is certainly a cause worth supporting!!!

Haha! My dad and I loved this!!! I saw it a couple days ago on Doug Phillips’ blog! Way to go, Dockers!!! 😀

~Kaitland

It think one of the good things about this, is the gender distinction!!!! That’s unusual in the world that we live in, where people are trying to blur gender lines more and more. Take a look at this article.

http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/The-Blur-of-Gender

This is really cool. It’s sad that that it takes people wanting to make money to get people to say this, but hey, its a start!

I stopped buying anything that I knew was manufactured by Levi’s when they first took the stand against the Boy Scouts. My silly way to protest. It is getting harder and harder as more and more companies violate what I consider to be non-negotiables of the Faith.

That is awesome. We need to step up to the plate and become more like the men of old.

They’re spot on here. Sadly, I’m afraid this is a marketing ploy, not their “belief”, but even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Somebody in the marketing department is really smart. This is a excellent example of demographic marketing, and might even be an attempt at recovering lost customers.

Totally love this!
I called Dockers® Brand
1-800-DOCKERS (1-800-362-5377)

And they really seemed ready to receive this feedback. Let’s flood them with positive responses….especially you females!

Wow, finally people realising the disease that complacency becomes. This song is perfect in explaining that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4z2LY8RrHw
Its by a christian band, but it seems that Christians around the world are getting the same message.

I think that this advertisement shows that if pagans are doing something about this global epidemic. what are Christians doing about it? its time we stepped up and did ‘hard things’ to show the world how we are different.

Eleanor, I am a little sorry that you feel that way. But, I’m not going to judge you because you have your own opinion. You are very much allowed to state what you believe.
Kay, I agree w/ everything you just stated there! I couldn’t have said it better myself. In fact, I probably would have gone on much longer and pointed out some other things. 🙂 I’m glad you’ve done your research!

I think that it’s great that they’re actually being bold in telling men to grow up and be the men they should be! Yes, they’re just trying to sell pants but it’s a very good way of selling pants 🙂
I think it’s due time that EVERYONE steps up to the plate. Some “men” have been irrisponsible jerks for too long (not saying all guys are, just some). We need to live up to our full potential and be the men and women God has created us to be.

Your Sister In Christ,
~Alesha

Thanks, Alesha and Kay. It usually sounds wrong when I try to say what you’ve both said (for one, because I’m male, but also because I just can’t explain it that well 🙂 ). From a male perspective, this puts a ton of responsibility on us, which is by design. I know other men could take it differently, but for me, reading what you’ve both written (and what the Bible says on the matter) only challenges and encourages me to serve more, not take advantage of my role, because it shows what an awesome responsibility God’s entrusted to me.

-Marshall Jones Jr.

Considering this is from a secular viewpoint; I think it is a step in the right direction. I believe that the Bible is pretty clear on the fact that men are designed to be able to take the role of headship in a family and in their community. I also believe that the Bible does not convey the ideas that woman are useless, always need a man by their side, nor does it convey that a woman is supposed to be a pushover. However, I do know that our society has totally blurred the lines of respect between men and women, between the youth and the elder generation, as well as between two individuals. I think that this ad will stir up some controversy regarding how men treat women, how they treat the elderly, and how they rise up to become who they were created to be. Kudos to Dockers for daring to be politically incorrect in a society where to be politically correct goes against every standard of right and wrong. By the way, I have been threatened to be beat up on the youth football field by a man for politely asking him to refrain from loudly yelling obscenities at the referees. I have had a male doctor be inappropriate with me, and I have tried to help ease a friend’s pain after her husband left her and their 2 daughters for another man, and I have endured the difficult decision (with the help of social services)of having to leave a marriage where abuse was spiraling out of control . I have intervened as some youth hurled insults at the elderly. I am a Jr High teacher in a Christian school, where I see the youth not having the role models to look up to that I did when I was younger…It is time to stand up and show them through example how to be godly young men and godly young women. While it’s true that the Bible is full of examples of societies and families where sin abounded.God didn’t approve of it, He just told the truth. Don’t forget, it was Jesus who taught respect of and for others. He is the example for us to follow.

1. What do you think about Dockers’ vision of manhood?

A. From a secular POV, it’s pretty solid. I am glad they see the need for men to step up and be “men”.

2. In what ways is it accurate?

A. I would only say they are accurate on the fact that men aren’t leaders anymore. There is definitely a lack of chivalry (and chivalry is more than holding open doors!)

3. In what ways is it inaccurate?

A. Their solution for the problem. It’s not blatant, but it’s implied. The solution excludes Christ. You can try to be a better man on your own, but you will fail and your efforts will be for nothing. Which brings me to the big point:

4. What really makes a man a man?

A. You don’t become a man when you go out and shoot a wild hog. You don’t become a man when you turn 18. You don’t become a man when you’re married. You don’t become a man when you get a job. You don’t become a man when you climb a big mountain. You become a man when you earnestly and wholeheartedly dedicate you life to Jesus Christ. When you follow Christ and are willing to drop everything you may have and follow His Word, that’s when you become a man. Why? Because that’s what really matters!!!

Wow! I am sooooo happy to see this! Dockers needs to get out there and advertise more!

This is a really great step. I agree with everyone in that it’s lacking a spiritual aspect.However, maybe it’ll prepare some hearts to open up to Biblical gender roles.
Ps- Thank you anyone who prayed for my grandad. He’s back from the hospital, and okay. He is going to have a few weeks of recovery, and then an operation. But he should be fine, thanks to God. =)

I really thought we has a better handle on manhood than we are seeing here. I am shocked that fellow Christian are agreeing with this ad.

Dockers is the furthest thing from a symbol of manhood, but even it were an accurate symbol of manhood, symbols are often used as something for people to hide behind. This basically is conditioning our brain to believe if a man is wearing dockers they are a real man.

So I’d like to pose the thought that a real man has nothing to do with clothes. A real man is accepting, educated, confidant, secure, motivated, hard working and responsible. A real man is NOT weak or ignorant enough to think women or orientation has anything to do with his state of “manhood.” And that “wearing pants” is just another way to make men feel bad for recognizing our traditional masculine stereotypes don’t work. A real man doesn’t need to be a leader of anyone other than himself and prefers to be in the company of equals, not in charge of those “needing to be led.” A real strong-minded man, would see right through this campaign, and realize Levi’s has just insulted your upbringing, your manhood, your life, in the name of selling the least masculine pants on the face of the earth.

Every pair of pants you buy will support the idea that you, as men, are not good enough, leaving you wide open to next years sales pitch that you as men wearing dockers, are still not good enough and now you need to buy our jeans, and the following year, when men wearing jeans and dockers are not good enough, you will need to buy our….

What does Dockers have against salads? Eating a salad isn’t manly? And the Rebelution endorses this idea? Really?

I agree with Josh, Chris, and Jake and i’m not even a guy! I mean really people, what does pants have to do with anything? The only thing pants would effect is HOW you wear them. If you’re one of those guys who wear your pants half way down your backside, I do NOT believe that that is a very appropriate and mature style. The difference between wearing Dockers and Jeans…. that isn’t a valid reason to exclude men from being manly. They’re pants for goodness sake! Just so long as you wear them appropriately it shouldn’t matter what kind they are!

I, like Anon, have been publicly schooled and haven’t had the ability to share a real Chrisitan family life with my parents. I think this advertisement is a perfect conversation starter for people who aren’t believers. As far as what the manifesto defines as manhood I think there are a few things that are great! The fact that they discuss the lack of manly leadership is amazing. Chris I understand what you mean about a man not being defined by the pants he wears, but we are called to lead our families. As men that is a God given responsibility.

A teacher once told me that you change from boy to men when you start to make decisions for your future. I think that is the one thing that hinders teens in their growth to manhood. My friends at school, even now in college, care only about what is pleasing or satisfying in the moment. So much of what teens do today is for instant gratification. I think a man is someone who can look past the temptation to be satisfied now and wait for what God wants later. That is chivalrous.

A man should be decisive, and the most important decision we should make is the decision to follow Christ. We should want to resemble Him in everything we do. Honestly, we should want to lead as Christ led, teach as Christ taught, and love as Christ loved. That is the only thing I see missing from the manifesto.

I also enjoyed the comment about this society being genderless. Though, I think they should be careful about that type of comment.

I understand Ricky’s point but I think it’s limited. I went to high school and now attend college with people who do wear khakis and other “manly” clothing. Wearing khakis on my campus is not abnormal at all, but many of the people who do wear them are just as interested in pleasing the moment as the people who don’t. Furthermore, I knew a few people in high school and many more in college that wear casual athletic clothes or look like they rolled out of bed and went to class (they probably did). Yet some people who dress like this make better decisions and are stronger Christians than the khaki-wearers. The clothes do not make the person, just contribute to an image that some people want to see. I still believe that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy and we are all falling for it.

Awesome post.

Its really encouraging to hear this kind of thing.

Chris, Alex and Brett aren’t trying to say that what the ad says is truly what defines a man. What they are saying is that the world is opening it’s eyes. They are beginning to realize their lack of men. That is great! It is true, pants don’t necessarily have anything to do with making you a man (but if you want to appear as one you might want to wear them and wear them right), but chivalry (which is one of things promoted by the ad) is a key ingredient in being a man of God. This ad may not be completely right, but so much of it is true.

I agree with Ricky, leadership is the God given role of men. As I stated before, when Adam and Eve sinned, the curse upon Eve was that she (and all womenkind after her)would be under the authority of men. And while women may not have anything to do with making you a man, by protecting them and respecting them, you show that you are a man.

Now, Jake, I think you are taking this way to much in the literal sense. What Dockers means, is that the men of today are often very self-concious. The whole picture kind of being that men are now acting like women by eating salad all the time, hoping to lose some weight, and going on diets and all that was percieved to be womanly in past decades. That isn’t necessarily true, but (and I don’t really know how to explain it to you, I understand it perfectly, but it’s hard to put into words) it kind of is. A lot of the guys I know are very self-concious. I do even know a guy who was always eating salad to lose weight (even though he had no weight to lose). I laughed (inwardly, of course). I thought it was hilarious. This very same guy straightens his hair every morning, and sometimes, if he wants to take the time, he gets his sister’s curling iron out and curls it!

Anyway, it’s more about the motives behind eating the salad that they are talking about. Not that salad shouldn’t be eaten by men, or anything.

I think many people are not getting the point of this post. It is not to say this is completely accurate. It’s not to say that Dockers pants makes you a man. It’s to point out the truths that are contained within this ad (though not all of them are complete, and some truths are missing. Remember, people, this isn’t from a Christian standpoint). It is to say that the world is realizing it. It is to say that the men should be wearing the pants in the family. It is to say that it is exciting that someone would publish these concepts in a secular place in today’s society!

I completely agree with Kay. Though I honestly didn’t understand the salad explanation she offered, the rest is truthful. This shouldn’t necessarily be taken literally. As everyone has already said, of course they’re trying to sell pants. But Dockers is appealing to something men might be both missing and wanting today. It’s a great idea.

So it seems everyone here thinks there’s a lack of real men in the world. Are ya’ll sayin that there’s enough “real women” in the world? No problems with them? I ain’t attacking women or anything just wondering…

I don’t see what the big deal is. I always wear pants, I sometimes wear tight jeans or “skinny jeans” but for the most part they’re just jeans. I’m an atheist and I wear the same kind of pants as Christians. I don’t go to salad bars but I do help people and I stand up for my girlfriend, open doors for people, I’m a good person for goodness sake not because someone is going to torture me for eternity if I don’t.

i agree with lexi!
and if we all think everyone is good enough to go to heaven, and not let being a christian or a rebelutionary change the way we live then what would we need God for?

sadly not everyone who calls themselves a christian live it, i myself am challenged with trying too and are by no means perfect.
But standing up for Jesus is something we can do, and “wearing the pants” is a big part of it 🙂

I think the Docker’s advertisement is great. No, I don’t agree that Docker’s pants makes you a man, but I think the character traits do reflect biblical principles. This ad is coming from a secular company. We can’t expect them to act (or advertise) like Christians, because God has not opened their eyes to the truth. Challenging men to be men, even if their definition is twisted, is a bold step for this company to make in a very feminist culture.

This brings me to another point.
Women, I think we have a crucial role in helping the men to be leaders. Even before the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, God created man to be a leader and woman to be man’s helper. Our roles are not a result of sin. They were God’s divine design for life. Our sin messed up God’s design and we live with the consequences. Our consequence isn’t that men will be women’s authority. Genesis 3:16 records woman’s punishment:

“Then he said to the woman, ‘I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control you husband, but he will rule over you.'”

Our consequence is that we will want to usurp man’s authority, but in response to our fight for authority he will rule over us. Our consequence is a result of sin. Yes, men need to be men. Men need to lead their families. Men need to wear the pants. But women, are we allowing the men to be men? Are we allowing the men to wear the pants? Or are we stealing the pants and taking matters into our own hands? God created us to be man’s helper. How do we help the men? By sumbitting to their authority. I think feminists can also encourage chivalry – but with the wrong reasons. We can pridefully want men to open doors for us and help us. Women need to be men’s helper and in return men’s chivIery is a way of thanking the “weaker vessel” for her help (Proverbs 31 says that a woman of noble virtue is to be praised). I don’t have time explain how sumbission is to be lived out in different situations and seasons of life, but I’d like to recommend three books:

So Much More, by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin – The Botkin sisters do an excellent job at explaining the roles of men and women, particularly young women who are still under their father’s authority.

What’s the Difference? Defining Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, by John Piper – In this thin, easy to read book, John Piper summarizes the large commentary called Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He practically describes what submission looks like in various situations.

50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Centeral Concerns About Manhood and Womanhood, by John Piper and Wayne Grudem – These two godly men counter questions, excuses, and accusations against the God’s design for the roles of men and women.

Here are two questions for discussion:
1. Why does the secular culture seem to be making progress in understanding the need for men to be men while Christian churches (not all, but several) are allowing feminism to infiltrate their mindest?

2. Women, how do we humbly and practically encourage men to be the leaders and wear the pants? Men, what can women do to encourage you to be men of God?

Thank you Alex and Brett for posting this advertisement. I admire your boldness to spark a discussion about biblical manhood and womanhood, because the subject is very counter-cultural. It is a breath of fresh air to know that there are other Christians out there who strive to live out true manhood and womanhood!

Thank you everyone for this discussion. I enjoy the challenge to think through my beliefs and where in the Bible these beliefs originate. I’d love to hear your thoughts, beliefs, and constructive critisizm. Thank you!

I’m kind of wondering why everyone thinks women were so bad off in the old days. Even in Biblical times, women worked. They made and sold items at markets and such. They oversaw workers in fields, and many other things. Look up Proverbs 31.
Biblical standards require equality, yes. But being equal with something doesn’t mean they have to be them same. A quater is worth the same amount as five nickles, but they aren’t exactly alike.
As someone once said: “God made Eve not from Adam’s head, to rule over him, nor from his feet so he might walk all over her, but from his middle, that they might be equal.”
I think people should still endorse Biblical gender roles, and require that women and men be treated with the kind of love Jesus treated everyone with.

A Blog Follower Said:
“But being equal with something doesn’t mean they have to be them same. A quater is worth the same amount as five nickles, but they aren’t exactly alike.”

I couldn’t agree more! You have put into words my exact feelings on this subject! I have never been able to make my point clearly. Thank you! And yes, I have previously commented, the women of the Bible are to be admired and respected for their many accomplishments and Godly traits, not put down and labeled ‘slaves’.

Again, thanks for the analogy!!!

~Kaitland C

Of all the places I thought I’d be reading about clothing ads, The Rebelution is the last one I thought of :).
Very neat, though, that even the people selling pants realize that most men are no longer manly, and should return to “sensitivity, chivalry, ambition and decisiveness”. Espeically the ambition part. I know that there are young men who can be perfectly chivalrous and very unambitious.

As a woman who prefers to wear jeans over skirts and dresses, I find myself frustrated to know that our effectiveness in the world has suddenly been tied to the clothing that we wear. Since when did Jesus say, “Thou shalt wear pants if thou possesseth a male reporductive system”? Last time I checked the bible, there was no such commandment in the gospels…or even Leviticus for that matter. And since when does a non-fat latte or eating a salad have anything to do with being feminine? I personally like black coffee, does that make me a man? If you look at any current health magazine, you will find that these are some of the SMARTER ways we can increase our longevity of life. Are men to be penalized for being health-conscious? In that case, we must condemn all males recovering from cardiac arrest as they cannot have a “manly” diet of raw meat straight from the slaughterhouse. And why can’t a man be “gentle”? Personally, I’m not anticipating having a relationship with a barbarian with an IQ of 50 who roughhouses 24/7. I find that “manly-men” are a lot more difficult with which to cooperate. And quite honestly, most of them annoy the living daylights out of me in their “I’m always right because I’m a man” kind of thinking.

Furthermore, are we really that concerned with the 1 in 10 people who are homosexual or who may be having a so called “gender crisis” that we forget there are 35,000 people starving to death every day? Because I’m certain that the Bible only talks about same-sex relationships only a handful of times. On the other hand, well known teachers and public figures such as Tony Campolo and Bono have PROVEN that Jesus mentions the issue of poverty OVER 2000 TIMES in the gospels!

Let me make this clear: it’s not that I have a complex with skirts or clothes that define feminine-ness. I just don’t find them comfortable for the things I do. With that said, I do dress up at church and dress my best when it is required of me. I think clothes only become an issue when they reveal more about a person’s body than is modestly required. However, that is another rant for another blog. But what I think we all need to do is “man up” to what Jesus has called us to do, which is love everybody…not just the men and women who fit into our gender roles, lifestyle choices, self-esteem ranges, social groups, or political/racial/economical levels. And while I do love it when males hold doors for me, it seems this brand of clothing has presented a “non-manly” or (heaven forbid!) “womanly” stigma attached with “brotherly love” or “agape.” This is NOT what Christians have been taught. Anybody who knows John 13:34-35 would be able to say otherwise.

And as for my fellow ladies, I have a message for you as well: women shouldn’t just stand aside on the street corner waiting for a man to serve God in their place! We as women have to take up our cross too, get our hands dirty, and work ALONGSIDE men sometimes. God-willing, you will work alongside a man who possesses that “Rhett Butler” gentlemanly charm with which we are to be treated. Who were the first people to see Jesus after he rose from the dead? WOMEN! Who bore Jesus Christ? MARY!

Let us remember that we are all called to bear Jesus in the Great Commandment, regardless of what we look like or what gender we are, especially during this season of Advent and Christmastide. Strive for God together. And if you want gender roles, her is the ultimate one: Women, give your lives to your husbands. BUT men, you love your wives AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH (Ephesians 5:22-28). There is no ultimate submission on the part of one sex. BOTH must make sacrifices.

PS–What does disco have anything to do with manliness? Perhaps it’s because I wasn’t born until the end of the 80’s, but I really don’t understand how disco relates to anything…

That is awesome! I actually write a blog for teen girls about pursuing purity! One of our main focuses is pointing out God’s plan for men and women and how sometimes they are different. Thanks for sharing!!

I am proud of whoever put this thing together. True, staying away from salad bars and lattes doesn’t make you a man, but the point is valid. And they did it in a versatile way, if that is the right word to use. To reach the secular with this kind of concept through the secular is powerful. I think almost nothing has more influence on those who follow society.

I really enjoyed this post. There has been a lot of back and forth arguements about whether it was a good idea to post this or not. I think that it is great. Even though it is an ad, it is still bringing across an important message, that men need to stand up, regardless of the pants they wear. Thank you for putting that up Alex and Brett!!! 🙂

Emily

Wow! This is really great.

This is so awesome. And kinda funny.

After thinking on this for a little longer, I think it’s really crucial and exciting that people are recognizing the deterioration of manhood, however I remain decided that until God is ackonwledged there is no TRUE manhood.

Men wearing “pants” and accepting manhood is good, but we as women also have a role to play. How can men open the door for us if we don’t allow or expect them to? If you don’t expect your brothers or other men to act like mature men why should they?…

If my Mom didn’t need my help caring for my 10 younger siblings, running the household, and homeschooling I’m confident I would not be the young woman that I am. I would still have the same potential and capability, but because I was not expected to rise to it I won’t have the ability.

It’s the same for men; We cannot expect them to rise to their calling as leaders, and protectors if we do not allow for them to “rescue” us when there’s something heavy to carry, or open the door.

Although over time men have allowed themselves to be put down, it is us–the women, who have chosen to put them down by not expecting “great things” from them.

Hmmmm….I think a ‘real’ man in our disfigured society is not the man our society needs. We need Christian determined men who are ready for a change, but still realize that women need to be valued and have many talents and skills that men lack. I think that if women were given their value and respect and feeling of equality, they would not feel the need to ‘fill up the pants’. Men AND women both have things to bring to the table and both need to be given the proper respect.

http://www.wix.com/bethanyfrank/yournotsotypicalsuicidesurvivor
check it out gguyss

I love how this ad emphasizes the need for people to man or woman up.
But as for the saying, Wearing the Pants, this saying is strictly cultural. In Cambodia, only the decent women wear pants.
Before I diverge, what I am trying to say is that pants don´t make the man -or unmake the woman- it´s the character that does the making or breaking.
I mean, Braveheart and his men did everything in a skirt, and they were very manly.

Pants don´t make the man, character does.

Eleanor V. B. H. I have to agree with you. I see there are not many on this blog that do. I’d like to point out a few things that make the misperceptions and misinterpretation of scripture in this area a BIG deal and worth some very careful analysis. For one thing; there is no where in scripture where men are instructed to lead. That is often inferred from a hierarchal interpretation of a few versus. As a simple example the gift’s of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. are given to all. This would align with scripture’s many examples of equality of all before God; with no one be more or less then another. As soon as we leave that premise we run into some very troublesome possible outcomes. The historical ideology of men being in leadership and some form of authority over women gives men a rich set of privileges and a form of power. This ideology also gives a man a sense of entitlement to certain privileges. Perhaps to be waited on by his wife or being able to make the “big” decisions for the family. Unfortunately an outcome that all to often comes out of this line of thinking is violence; family violence as we more commonly know it. Jesus set for us an example of humility and love which always puts the other first and that includes male female relationships such as marriage. We have a lot of men trying to live up to an impossible standard of manliness that is created from pop culture and hierarchal interpretations of scripture and not from the example of Jesus. So men learn it is not alright to show emotions for example. Instead they are expected to be always strong, even stoic. What happens is that there feelings, there ability to empathize with others; particularly women is diminished. And often they over compensate with angry outbursts and even violence. Whereas if men learned as boys to understand and express their feelings their capacity to empathize be caring and nurturing the relationships they have with their wives and children would be enhanced. Men (and women) are far to sinful to give one of them some form of authority over the other. We can learn from Jesus who laid down all the power and authority he had to come for us.

William Wallace (Braveheart) did NOT wear a kilt. Kilts were not a part of Scottish culture at that time. Mel Gibson wore one in that movie about Scottish independence starring an Australian filmed in Ireland.

First I want to thank everyone for all the posts- I enjoyed reading through them and contemplating the different ideas.

I think that there is lack of manhood in our culture today, and it is bold and encouraging to see a secular company stand up and say so- even if is to sell pants. However, I don’t think that changing peoples (men or women) outer appearance will fix our “genderless” culture. In order to change the problems in our current culture we must change our hearts. Our outward appearance reflects our heart attitude. We may be able to change the type of pants we wear however if we don’t change our hearts we have made no positive progress in the problems in our world. Divorce, abortion and other problems will still be in full swing because, although we have changed the outer appearance, we still hold the same beliefs as we did before we changed the pants.

However, I also believe that as Christians we should dress for others. If we are truly concerned about others we will dress modestly and appropriate for the occasion. Once again, our dress, what is on the outside, reflects our heart. I think that the way we dress makes a huge difference, are we conforming to the world, or are we setting the example? As we dress we need to remember that many people will be watching us, elderly, who have standards much higher than those of our current generation, parents, peers, little kids and others who we come into contact with. As Christians, how we dress, what we do, all of our actions reflect Christ, how we dress can open or close communication doors for others. We should strive to dress, act, and live our lives to glorify and honor Christ.

Karis

in my personal opinion for a guy to be a man he has to not weir (i am not sure i spelled that correctly) girls (made for them) pants. although ‘cool’ can be too tight for one thing and immodest for girls to look in the wrong places. guys not only girls have problems thinking or looking to the wrong things. so for us girls sake keep to y’alls pants. please……
and as for what i think it takes for a guy to be a man……..well being the head of his household as God commands of men and to be a leader.

Is Levi Strauss trying to sell more men’s pants through this new advertising ploy? Yes. Does wearing a particular brand or style of pants “make ” a male a man or more specifically “more manly”? No. Either way, I like what Levi Strauss has to say about masculinity. Liberal feminism has done an adequate job of convincing men that they need to become more like them to be truly fulfilled. I say ” Nonsense!”. Real men lead their families by providing for, protecting and taking charge by the biblical mandate to be the authority- not a iron fisted domination, but a kind, loving servant leadership style. The weak, chivalrous-less, pansy model of masculinity common today has proven ineffective. ( side note: the whole males running around like dogs in heat model is not a good example of true masculinity either.)

I first saw this on Stacy McDonald’s blog, and was immediately impressed.
Even if the company is only running this ad for the money, I think that it will affect some people in a positive way, and help some men to “step up to the plate and be a man!” God has a plan for everything right?

The ad isn’t trying to say that women should wear skirts all the time. (though maybe if you got that impression out of it, you are a girl who is feeling convicted about wearing pants?) Most men aren’t men anymore. I am in the process of getting a divorce from someone who has been physically/verbally abusive to me. Perhaps men like that “feel manly,” but a real man is someone who treats a lady with respect and kindness. We need more men like that. Men should treat women as the weaker vessel that we are-and we should gladly let them. That doesn’t mean that we don’t work hard too…men and women have different roles. Doug Wilson’s books are an excellent read if you don’t understand that.

Thanks Brett and Alex, for sharing this!

Well, it is very unfortunate, but what they have to say is very true…. men have stepped down from their leadership position and now the woman are doing the jobs and running the house because men have forgotten or lost what they should be doing and are caught up with the latest video game, movie or etc.… and the list goes on. When are we as men and boys going to show that they are mature!!!!
The little old ladies as its talking about in the advertisement are still standing on the street corners because we as men have forgotten that we should be the protectors and help those who are weaker than we, and are more worried about
their ipod, cellphone, or its to far to walk… to help that lady load her van, its to cold, I’ll do it later…
But what does it say in Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Samuel Wearp

Way to go Dockers! Although I definitely don’t agree with some of what Levi Strauss and Co. have done–I think the “wear the pants” campaign is an interesting wake up call. It may have started as a secular campaign to get people to buy pants but the idea obviously sends a person’s thoughts to a deeper level. The campaign’s evaluation of the situation is incredibly accurate, but I agree with the many comments noting the one thing this campaign is missing about real men–they have Jesus Christ. I’m waiting for one of those kind of men!
I’m not saying that women should be utterly helpless–we shouldn’t. I’m saying that maybe we (the women) should take a step back sometimes and let the gentlemen be…gentlemen (in the chivalrous, ‘wear the pants’ sort of way)! =)

If pants could sell manhood then I would wear docker’s, but since people influence manhood I will wear Jesus above all else. I will let him determine a man and a woman and the complementary roles they have when working together for God’s glory. I’m not fit to wear his pants, but If I could grab hold of his belt loop and ask him for his help defining these character traits and how to be the best I can be for him, and his people then i will hang on for dear life,a nd I know he will help me because I have asked.

This is a good idea. Sometimes it gets depressing waiting for guys to take the position God has for them. Hopefully guys will rise to the challenge and become the godly leaders God has designed them to be.

Women and girls alilke are drawn to the real kind of men described in this advertisment. And we need fathers who will be fathers and show boys how to be men. Women feel like true women when in the presence of true men.

Awesome. As a girl, I think they really got to the point. And the poor little old ladies DO need someone to walk them across the street : )

This advertisement does get to the point of the man doing things he ought to do, though it leaves out the primary point of being a Godly man, husband and father. My other problem with it is when I look at it (anyone else?) just under the Man-ifesto ad is an ad for GQ, Men’s Fitness, and Esquire. Contradiction or what?

YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! That is what this nation needs to hear!!! We as Men have fallen so far from where we started. We no longer are leaders of any kind, NO offense to the Ladies but from the time of Adam and Eve it was man’s job to wear the pants. It’s time for the guys to put the pants back on and be leaders not only in there home’s, but also in there jobs, and in the Court house’s and in THE CHURCH!!!! Enough is enough, and I for one am sick of this. I desire so much for Men to be like those before us, those that had Integrity like, Patrick Henry or General Robert E. Lee, or Stonewall Jackson, or even George Washington, how about George Whitfield, I could keep going on. Let’s change the World.

Great ad campaign Way to go Dockers for saying what needs to be said even though its not “politically correct”.

OK so we’ve been talking about how the men need to man-up but…HEY LADIES!!!!! I dont wanna sound like a feminist but we have a job to do to…and of course it’s not to take the lead but to be the Help-meet..which is very important! Just wanna make sure that as we go about our day to day lives that we are praying for our men! That may sound weird but guess what….ITS TRUE!!! Pray for your fathers,brothers,uncles,cousins,pastors,and even ur best guy friend.ANd GUYS!!!! Dont worry because we’ve got ur back! Keep it up!

Oh yeah, concerning the gender discussion:
God created man and woman differently. If He wanted man to act like woman, then He would have made us that way. Plus, He gave man responsibility first. Us guys have fallen off the boat. We need to get back on, shake the sludge of failure off, and get back to being men who defend our faith and treat women with respect.

This made me laugh, IT’S TIME TO WEAR THE PANTS. 🙂 But seriously, I’m glad this was posted. This generation needs to grow up, I believe (this probably has nothing to do with the topic, but oh well). This generation is, dare I say it, lazy. I’m still a teenager, and over the past year, I’ve seen a lot going on. Most of it has to do with laziness.

wear. da. pants. lol love it

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