Even then, a man s patronizing attitude or my cultural misunderstanding can temporarily derail the track. Reaching into my social survival kit, I quickly grab a ready apology or wrench the situation with humor. My admiration also flows towards men who actively support and protect their families in the face of all odds. They consider their machismo a key factor in the molding and sustaining of their families and personal relationships. Dads instill ideals of courtesy and high moral standards in their children, disciplining them to be upright, honest and hardworking.
Sons remain devoted to their mothers for a lifetime and husbands supportive of their wives.
Of course, this portrays the positive side of machismo. Everyone knows that the world takes all kinds. Some women are culpable in the deterioration of family relationships. It does after all take two to tango. In Mexico, the woman s role as social dependent is still strong.