“My little brother says I’m actually a teenage girl. Granted, maybe he has a point. After all, I proudly and publicly proclaim my undying love for the greatest song ever written: Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” I have been known to jam to Britney Spears on occasion and I actually have songs by Madonna and Cher on my iPod. I’ve never had any regrets when I’ve attacked a salad at a fast-food joint. And then there was that time I got roped into wearing make-up… I like to think that I am secure in my sexuality (no, I’m not gay. Sorry, guys). Yet, for some inexplicable reason, some of my guy friends routinely threaten to relieve me of my Man Card. As though appreciation of such impeccable musical artistry and leafy healthy goodness somehow makes me less of a man! The nerve. Like I didn’t drink Miller Lite or something…” – Kevin Reagan, Assistant Editor, TheCollegeConservative.com
Lately, the term “Man Card Violations,” describing a range of offenses from cat-calling women to wearing a certain style of clothes, has become a popular cultural meme of sorts. However, our writers Amy Lutz and Elissa Roberson (known as the “Conservative Sweethearts” on Twitter) decided that there was another element to Man Card Violations that did not get much discussion. So they got together and set out to give our readers what #Mancardviolations mean from a conservative female point of view.
#Mancardviolation 1: Being a “Playa”
AL: If you’ve got lust on your mind, there’s not much room for love in your heart. Jumping from woman to woman, always looking for the next “hottest” thing, is evidence of a pretty screwed-up set of priorities. You’ll never experience lasting love if you can’t get past the superficial. Your only reward will be a trail of broken hearts and shallow relationships. If you’re a “playa,” you will be the one alone in the end. All the good women will be claimed by men whose man cards are still in their decks.
ER: It’s one thing to appreciate women. It’s another to be a skirt chaser. Serial flirting is a bad idea no matter how you try to explain it and usually ends up in heartbreak (for the females and occasionally the guy). Not only does it affect your possible relationship with “The One,” but it also makes you look like a jerk. No bueno, amigo.
Mancard Validation: A woman’s body is yours to treasure, respect and protect. It’s not yours to have.
#Mancardviolation 2: Voting Democrat or Being a Liberal
AL: A regard for personal responsibility is the antithesis of the liberal ideology. If you don’t choose to be responsible and self-sufficient, you might want to work on that before entering into a relationship or starting a family. Irresponsibility is a major turn-off.
ER: This may be rather broad but it generally applies if you voted for Obama and were thinking of doing so again. Clearly you are irresponsible with your money, can’t make decisions on your own away from your Xbox, and have a strange addiction to skinny jeans. Or at the very least, haven’t worked a day in your life.
Mancard Validation: Prove you have a brain by doing your own research and checking the facts. It also wouldn’t hurt to take an ECON class and step away from Call of Duty for a day.
#Mancardviolation 3: Being Pro-Choice
AL: A man’s primary role within a family is to protect and provide for his wife and children. That means acting to preserve your child’s life starting from the moment of conception. If you cannot accept responsibility before your child is born, why would you do so after they’ve left the womb?
ER: Simply put: You clearly don’t take responsibility for your actions and can’t work through difficult situations without taking the easiest route…for yourself.
Mancard Validation: Value all life, especially those most vulnerable and most in need of protection. The power to preserve life is one of great importance. Don’t neglect it because you’d rather choose the easy way out. Remember: With great power comes great responsibility.
#Mancardviolation 4: “Being a Christian is for weenies”
AL: Nothing is more cowardly than scoffing at those who live a life of devotion and faith. Admitting that all of the blessings in your life come from God is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a sign of strength. What could be more courageous than surrendering yourself completely to the Lord and leaving your selfish comforts behind? There’s something quite attractive about a man who puts his faith above all else. If you listen to men like Sean Penn when it comes to faith, you’re doing something wrong. Take a lesson from Tim Tebow and let your faith shine for all to see. Unabashed Christians are truly treasures, even if they are mocked for their faith.
ER: Okay, this may be a longshot for some of our readers but it’s the truth. Let’s face it, a big guy praying on his knees not only shows his soft side but also tells a woman he acknowledges the fact that he’s human. It also shows that he has an understanding that there are greater things in life. Aspiring to a strong moral character as defined by Christ through scripture means a man isn’t afraid of what life has ahead. His strength in attempting to achieve that higher calling means he is in it for the long run.
Mancard Validation: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16
#Mancardviolation 5: Acknowledging and Admiring the Feminist Movement
AL: If you think the conservatives’ “War on Women” actually exists, hand over your Man Card now and go commiserate with Sandra Fluke. If you think the bra-burning, socially liberal feminist ideology is a plus for society, you’re not worth my time. Seriously, be a man. Don’t acknowledge a philosophy which preaches “equal rights” but won’t stop until “equality” is synonymous with complete female domination and you’re left whimpering in the corner.
ER: This is the most horrific of #mancardviolations. You are way too in-touch with your feminine side if you think this is an honorable cause. The only point of feminism is to take men’s rights so you’re all left to the side while we females take over the world. Bad idea. If you think men in skinny jeans talking like a bunch of teenage girls while discussing Twilight is a good thing, you need to be taken to the shooting range and introduced to Monster trucks. Real women are tough without a whole movement to side with them. Quit guilt-tripping yourselves into thinking being a guy is a bad thing and go enjoy football season.
Mancard Validation: Don’t side with the Feminist Movement!! Be a man. Do guy stuff. Don’t let yourselves be belittled by some crazy feminazi that most women can’t even stand. Seriously don’t. While they’re preaching about fish and bicycles, go toss a football or throw some steaks on the grill.
So there you have it, men. If you want the chance at a lasting relationship or maintaining your dignity, make sure you don’t haphazardly violate your Man Card right and left. If you really want to capture the heart of a conservative sweetheart, treat her with respect, value God, protect life, vote conservative, and for crying out loud, don’t give the feminist movement even a moment of your time.
Amy Lutz | Saint Louis University | St. Louis, MO | @AmyLutz4
Elissa Roberson | College of the Desert | Palm Desert, CA | @ElissaRoberson
Kevin Reagan | The George Washington University | Washington, DC | @O_JoseCanYouSee
Awesome article Ladies!
You guys started out strong. I think you had a chance of making an impact, maybe even changing some minds. However, for reasons only the three of you will ever know…you went partisan. That’s unfortunate. It’s unfortunate because your generation is poised to make the same mistakes the previous generation is making now. Now, we just insult one another and question the values of our fellow human beings, we don’t actually sit down and talk to one another. With respect.
I may not always agree with the views of my liberal and conservative friends. But we talk, we spend time together, and we respect one another. I beg you three to go back and look at this article again and re-think how you communicate with your audience, the ones that agree with you, the ones that don’t, and the ones on the fence. Amy, Elissa, and Kevin…I know in my heart that the three of you are good people. You are God’s children, we all are, and God would want us to treat each other accordingly. I know you’ll make us all proud.
God bless guys.
Derek, may I remind you of what this site is called? OF COURSE they are going to present a particular point of view. And why should they, or anyone else for that matter, only present thoughts and ideas palatable to everyone? That’s PC BS. You really should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.
Hello Matthew,
Thank you, for illuminating my point, we’ll come back to that in a moment. I am aware of the name and viewpoints of TCC. I understand its particular place on the political spectrum. My argument was never about the “message” Matthew, it was the about “presentation”. If the goal is to encourage liberals to re-think their views and attitudes in favor of conservatism, insulting them is the epitome of a non starter. Moreover, demeaning persons of varying viewpoints increases the likelihood that you will not be taken seriously. Not as an honest broker of ideas or even as a messenger.
Again Matthew, it’s not about the “message” it’s really about TRUST. Establishing yourself as an honest broker of ideas, legitimizes your “message” with any audience, even audiences that may hold a different view. Love of God, love of country, fidelity, conservatism, and family values…these are good things Matthew and worth fighting for. However, when you demean your audience, it’s no longer about the message…it’s about you.
Now, earlier I said I would get back to how you illuminated my point. Comments like, “That’s PC BS” and “You really should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque” are examples of non-starters. Liberals win support for their ideas because they know, instinctively, how to make people feel respected. Snarky remarks worked for Newt Gingrich back in 1994 because liberals became complacent, frankly, liberals got what they deserved. Snarky comments may seem kind of cool but they are widely perceived as the bullying tactics of a political party with an expiring ethos. That’s not good and it doesn’t bode well for the future of conservatism. I believe Amy, Elissa, and Kevin are smart enough to know that.
Matthew, I may never have the chance to meet you. But I admire your conviction and I respect your views. I don’t know if you’re from Albuquerque, but if I ever get out that way, maybe we can sit down and talk about the issues, as equals. Maybe even as friends…I’ll buy the first round.
God bless.
No. Just…no. The very thought makes my stomach turn.
My take is simply this: It’s not about getting along. Just wanting to get along indicates you are not willing to set boundaries and say NO when it is needed and necessary. And the road to hell is paved with it.
Since you didn’t get the “left turn at Albuquerque” reference, allow me to explain it to you, and, unfortunately, what I meant by it.
In the classic Warner Brothers cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny, Bugs would often find himself in strange locales because he didn’t take that left turn at Albuquerque.
And metaphorically speaking, if you had done the same, you would not be here. You should have made the turn.
Matthew,
My apologies for any gastric issues I may have caused you. I was familiar with the “left turn at Albuquerque” bit from inception. I had hoped for a respectable exchange of viewpoints on politics and policy. However, It seems we cannot get beyond…Bugs Bunny.
For clarity, again, my argument is not about “getting along”. It is about giving people the respect they deserve, nothing more. As for setting boundaries, I am exceptionally capable of doing so Matthew. That is why I am saying “no” to responding in kind to your tone. Has the level of disdain and distrust in our country become so great that we can’t even conduct reasonable political discourse anymore?
Our country is facing serious problems Matthew. Crushing debt and deficits, a military that’s overcommitted and overstretched, and crumbling infrastructure at home. And all we can talk about is Bugs Bunny?
News flash: Respect is earned. Not assumed.
As for the rest, I am just not in the mood for a political discussion. As far as I am concerned, the Dems screwed us, the GOP betrayed us, and I am waiting for the Rapture so I can wash my hands of this mess.
Derek, your awesome and clearly well spoken. I recommend ignoring people who admitt to visiting a political site with no intention of actually discussing politics.
Keep on keeping dude.
Thank you Chelle. If you get a chance, stop by my blog. I’m always looking for thoughtful people who want to have open, honest discussions about the issues that face us. Hope to hear from you soon! derekevansgrad.blogspot.com
You fucking hypocrite. You tell me to leave you alone (after I told you to do that same thing more than once), and yet you make references to me? NOW I want you to say with a straight face you are not here to troll.
Dude, no. Seriously, after like months of you making crazy, false statements to me, you freak out because I told someone that they shouldn’t engage with someone that admitts to not being here for political talk? Which you admitted to?
Seriously, why are you here?
Defintion of troll: someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community.
Mmmmm…that sounds like your comments far more than mine.
Whatever Matt, I’m not bound to you nor do I owe you any loyalty.
Frankly, all I just did right now is do the same thing you’ve been doing to me for quite some time. Except: 1) I didn’t make anything up about you and 2) I didn’t take your quotes out of context.
Meanwhile, you can’t even be bother to read the actual articles or comments on this site.
“(after I told you to do that same thing more than once)”
Oh wow, one time you didn’t comment about me on a post. Seriously, for quite some time you were trashing me all over while yelling at me to “leave you alone.” Why? So you didn’t actually have to answer to any of your insanity.
You made your bed, now lie in it. I will talk to whomever I please and I will say whatever I please because that’s how commenting systems work.
No, you will just keep acting like a mentally ill fucktard who can’t make up their mind if they want to be left alone.
And if I said anything false, then explain why a contributing writer here said she was annoyed by the things you say. Not me. YOU.
If I don’t want to engage in some mindless debate with someone who just wants to get along in a world where such things are no longer valid or permissible, that’s my choice. For you to come in here and interject with a snide comment about me is just giving me notice you want only to pick a fight.
Fuck off, Chelle.
“No, you will just keep acting like a mentally ill fucktard who can’t make up their mind if they want to be left alone.”
LOL WHAT? All I’ve said is if you want me to leave you alone then you should leave me alone. However, you’ve chosen to go on multiple articles, trashing me all over and then screaming about me leaving you alone when I respond.
Wait, doesn’t your actions fit your description of a hypocritical troll?
“And if I said anything false, then explain why a contributing writer here said she was annoyed by the things you say. Not me. YOU.”
Those two things have no connection. You said false things about me and Sarah can’t handle when people express opposing viewpoints and critism of her stuff.
Really, tie the two together.
Regardless, here’s a link where a contributor here thanked me for my support/comments: http://thecollegeconservative.com/2012/08/08/sharpton-misses-on-voter-id-laws/
Mmmm…never seen anyone thank you for commenting here.
“If I don’t want to engage in some mindless debate with someone who just wants to get along in a world where such things are no longer valid or permissible, that’s my choice. For you to come in here and interject with a snide comment about me is just giving me notice you want only to pick a fight.”
Wait, so I repeated actually what you said and you admit that I didn’t take anything out of context or interpet it wrong and you’re still annoyed? You need to grow up or get Raptured or something.
“Fuck off, Chelle.”
Disappointing – last time you told me to fuck off and die, which I guess in your language meant you’re going to leave me alone. How silly of me to not know that those words ment we had some sort of “gentlemens agreement” or something.
Matt, you really need to get over the fact that this isn’t your blog and you can’t tell people what to do. Are you really expecting me to apogolize because I reached out to a commenter who actually spent time and thought on his comments? Really? Who died and made you some sort of authority here?
Regardless, I said something to Derrick because the guy is actually respecting the authors of this place. Unlike you, who can barely bother to read the articles before commenting.
Hint: Its not about you.
Fuck off, Chelle.
Matt, you have no authority here.
Deal with it.
Great job, by the way. Really hard-hitting stuff! Its like an article for the conservative version of Marie Claire. You’d find it next to the article about how to lose 50 lbs in ten minutes of Bible study. So thought provoking! And falls so well in line with that part of your mission statement that talks about introducing your readers to the concept of American Exceptionalism on an intellectual basis. I know I feel intellectually stimulated!
Skinny jeans, X-box, and Twilight….Doesn’t really sound like any liberals that I know. It sounds a little more like teenagers. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you might want to start getting over your aversion to the skinny jeans because the only group of grown men I know of who might satisfy your list of requirements for being a “real man” have a strong tendency to wear them. They do however have a different name for them, if that makes you feel any better about it. I believe they call them Wranglers…?
Wow! Awesome article. Definitely sharing this. I especially appreciated the clear call to Christianity, which needs to be sounded more often.
“A regard for personal responsibility is the antithesis of the liberal ideology.”
Yes, because all liberals are lazy individuals with no jobs, families or other responsibilites. *rolls eyes*
“Clearly you are irresponsible with your money.”
Spending was higher under Bush than Obama. Clinton left the White House with a surplus.
This: “That means acting to preserve your child’s life starting from the moment of conception.” contradicts this “A woman’s body is yours to treasure, respect and protect. It’s not yours to have.” Further, it violates Roe vs Wade for men to have any authority over a women’s choice.
“Don’t neglect it because you’d rather choose the easy way out.”
Men that weren’t biologically born female are having abortions? Science has changed so much.
“If you think the conservatives’ “War on Women” actually exists, hand over your Man Card now and go commiserate with Sandra Fluke.”
The House seems much more interested in bills that regulate women’s rights than job bills.
“Don’t acknowledge a philosophy which preaches “equal rights” but won’t stop until “equality” is synonymous with complete female domination and you’re left whimpering in the corner.”
Wait, what? You’re against female domination but are quite alright with men dominating women (see your stance on men and choice.)
Regardless, feminism helps men as well as women. Remember your stance on “its ok to cry” from just a point ago? That its ok for a guy to show that he’s soft? Yea, feminists helped make that possible because they break traditional gender roles.
Also, know how you girls are in college? Yea, thank feminists for that one as well.
“The only point of feminism is to take men’s rights so you’re all left to the side while we females take over the world.”
Hey, how about you show and not tell? Because the only thing you’ve said women are trying to make rights over is their own body. Which you said a man doesn’t have rights to. Unless she wants an abortion. Then that’s cool because you support forcing women to complete their pregnancies.
Be a little consistant here.
“Be a man. Do guy stuff.”
Wait, be a man. But show that you’re weak by admitting you’re a Christian and powerless under God? What?
So in sum guys according to this: you don’t own a woman, unless she’s trying to make a medical decision that goes against your beliefs. Then you own her. Its ok to admit your weak when professing your faith but not to do girl things like enjoy Twilight. (Which you shouldn’t regardless, because its crappy writing.) Have personal responsiblity but mock women when they fight for their right to have personal responsiblity. Be a Christian, which means do good like Jesus wants but don’t vote for a president that wants to feed and shelter the poor like Jesus did.
This had potential. But then you guys contradict yourselves at least 4 times.
Chelle: Sorry to be so blunt, but you are a moron. That is all.
jDoe what a solid argument you have. Really addressing all the points Chelle brought up. You might not agree with her/him but no one thinks your intelligent when you respond with pure insults.