Posted on 09/11/2005 9:36:23 AM PDT by pissant
"So, what do you think about men carrying purses?" I asked my daughter one afternoon as we were eating lunch.
Her eyes widened as she gulped down a mouthful of noodles.
"That's weird, Mom," she said.
Within seconds, before I had a chance to ask her to explain, a burly construction worker-kind of guy lurched into the restaurant. As he passed our table, we noticed he had a green canvas bag in hand.
I have the same model in black. It's a U.S. Army issue medic bag that I use as a purse. He seemed quite comfortable with his accessory; I doubt many would have the nerve to challenge his choice.
What timing, I thought. I could see the smirk forming at the corners of my daughter's mouth.
"Now wait a second," I told her. "If men had always carried bags or totes or man purses everywhere, you wouldn't be rolling your eyes." Only because it's rare does it draw attention.
I've been thinking about man purses for a while now. I notice who carries what. Some hipster types have well-worn messenger bags slung over their shoulders. I see some men going about town with fanny packs and backpacks strapped on. Of course, the briefcase and attache have been good standbys for years. Men, don't kid us, we know it isn't all business in those cases.
I've been asking around as well. It seems most people, mainly men, are still a bit uncomfortable about the idea of a man purse. Some are downright hostile about it.
Remember, there was a time when women didn't wear pants. I'm sure the first few brave ladies to step out of their hoop skirts and corsets and slip on a pair of britches were thought daring and far worse.
Why, oh why, are American men so insecure about their own masculinity that they cannot carry their everyday stuff around in something closely resembling a purse? It doesn't have to be girly or flouncy or fluffy. It could be made of the manliest of materials: Rough, scratchy canvas and rawhide with metal rivets.
And we wouldn't have to call it a purse. That's the kiss of death, isn't it? Maybe man bag? Guy tote? Murse? (The last suggestion my daughter offered, but someone in cyberspace thought of it first.)
Joey on "Friends" called his snappy leather tote a "man bag" and loved it until his friends mocked him into abandoning it. Jerry Seinfeld briefly carried a smart little clutch that he defensively described as "European." But, in the end he, too, dumped it after his friends called him a dandy and a fancy boy.
When I visited Europe, I saw some men carrying their "European man purses" around. There it seemed completely natural.
But this isn't Europe, where I also saw entire families on holiday cavorting on beaches with nothing more than thongs on. That's something we Americans have an even harder time imagining. I suppose a half-naked man strolling the shore with his "murse" would send us all over the edge.
Where did I first get the idea for the man purse? From husbands and fathers everywhere, mine included. Recently I asked my husband to empty his pants pockets. Out tumbled pliers, pens, odd bits of paper and receipts, Chap Stick, loose coins, camera equipment, golf balls, keys and a cell phone.
Yet, men are the first to question why women carry purses. They are also the first to ditch their keys, wallet, sunglasses and whatever other flotsam and jetsam they don't want to burden themselves with into our handbags, thus rendering them overstuffed lumps.
I thought when designers fashioned diaper bags into "father-friendly" styles, they may have paved the way for the man purse. But then I stumbled upon a guy looking all too comfortable carrying a decidedly girly Louis Vuitton satchel in bright rainbow colors. I looked around for a girlfriend or wife. None to be found.
"I just don't think America is ready for the man purse," my daughter concluded.
Maybe she's right. I mean, just imagine what would happen in the department stores during one of those big sales? What chance would I have against that construction worker?
Murse PING
Oh, for cripe's say. What on earth does this writer know about masculinity?
Nothing, apparently! If she lets her husband carry a purse.
amen.....................
"Why, oh why, are American men so insecure about their own masculinity"
I don't carry my makeup everywhere I go so I don't need a girly bag.
My Ukrainian friend carries his satchel everywhere with him, and he's not exactly the hip type. It's one of those messenger bag types, but he doesn't always wear it slung over his chest, but will wear it off of one arm. It was weird until we got used to it, and now we just know he will take his bag with him. It's actually kind of nice- he carries dominoes in it and we can all play no matter where we are. :)
"I got it in my fanny pack."
The only acceptable use of a fanny pack.
ANd he could get lotsa dates in Seattle! ;o)
This was tried about 25 years ago. We called 'em "fag bags" back then.
I still do.
Hey men.... If you carried ~some~ kind of bag, I wouldn't have to carry your frap, your phone, your wallet, your keys, your stuff that won't fit in your pockets every time we go somewhere.
You think purses aren't masculine? And having your woman carry your stuff for you ~is~?
This chick apparently sees man purses like some other people see phallic symbols. (If it's longer than it's wide...)
My wife never carries my stuff for me. It either clips onto my belt, fits in a holster or my pocket, or stays home!
>> So, what do you think about men carrying purses?
Unless you have a desert eagle in it with 20 spare magazines you are a queer.
Uh huh.... ;~D
LOL.
I have been seen with a diaper bag though! ;o)
I have one of those for hiking with the wife; a S&W 66-1 and three speed loaders.
Otherwise it sits in the safe.
I have also tossed my saddlebags over a shoulder on occasion.
If you are gonna carry a dispatch bag, you need the Indiana Jones hat with itto make clear it's not a purse.
So9
The best way to keep from losing it. You also have someone to blame when you get to work the next morning and don't have your cell phone (wallet, watch, ID badge).
It's not a purse. It's European!
Bull whip is a must have for that look.
Alrighty Tax-Chick, go buy your hubby a purse and see what he says! LOL
It does explain alot about europeans!
Heh - yup :~D
Dear Ms Shirley Sillars, women carry purses so that they have a way to discreetly carry their feminine hygiene items that they may need at a moments notice. It wouldn’t be right to see them sticking out of your hip pocket. Men are self contained.
I don't even need that. Pockets are fine for wallet, keys, phone, and, of course, a Kel-tec.
He'd lose it.
My sons have Civil War haversacks, which are very useful when they want to carry things while riding their bicycles.
LOL.
Backpacks work too, BTW!
And the real difference between a backpack and a purse is what exactly?
And makeup and address book and who knows what else they carry in those things!
Pacifiers, matchbox cars, two small plastic penguins, half a box of Kleenex, grocery receipts from the last month, spare keys to the truck my Dad totalled in 2002 ... that's just a quick look, without opening all the zippers ...
Naaah, this is me, wi$ea$$.
In our neighborhood, backpacks represent school, and are therefore declasse', compared to Army gear.
We don't unexpectedly and spontaneously need those things, you know. ~That~ is one of our more ~predictable~ features. If ~that~ was the only reason we carry purses, we'd only need them only a few days a month.
I guess it would be a good clue to the men around though.... if we've got the purse with us, forget it :~D
and...
LOL. You need a sherpa!!
This reminds me of the thread on "What does Queen Elizabeth II carry in her purse?"
That would be nice :-).
Watch out, the gays on FR will be after ya now!!
manzeer ping!
Call it what you will, but there's a big difference between this:
And this:
Ya think ?......Sorry the sarcasm for my friend Eaker was lost on ya....:o)
You think purses aren't masculine? And having your woman carry your stuff for you ~is~?
As long as she walks three steps behind, and doesn't drop the firewood!!
LOL!!!
I have a heavy leather pack for a carry weapon anad one for my camera.
Either way, I'll shoot ya!
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