Boy Clout

In raising boys, I often witness the discovery and practice of their boy power. Boy power is the ability of a young male to exercise a false superiority over female counterparts. For instance, consider the kitchen.

My sons can easily have any food item they want, prepared to order, by simply asking any woman (it doesn’t work on men). Even if a request requires a supermarket run, it is almost always fulfilled. Unfortunately, this is an instance when boy-power actually trumps man-power. It’s usually a grandfather or me who makes the supply run. I’ve noticed girls can’t have what they want when it comes to food because the other older females are concerned the young female may consume the food in an inappropriate manner or gain weight.

Another great power of boys is the ability to wear anything anywhere at anytime. Colors, textures, styles and personal grooming aren’t a factor until we decide girls are something desirable. Upon this discovery, we dress like the pictures in the store or catalog and instantly receive female approval. Girls are expected to have impeccable style from the first onesie to the casket dress.

Finally, boys can express bodily functions easily and in any location without reprimand. If a boy needs to void his bladder or pass gas from either end he is free to do so without committing a faux pas. Girls aren’t so fortunate and subsequently become somewhat higher maintenance until full potty training is achieved.

Many of these powers continue into manhood, but as mentioned above, the man-power is often trumped by boy-power in the presence of women.