For centuries different cultures have performed various rituals or rights of passage to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. It is a tradition mostly lost in modern culture. Today the simple graduation from high school at about age 18 is the new right of passage, but it is sadly lacking, not only in the basic education of the three Rs, but also in history, and maybe most importantly, in manhood.
I’m painfully aware of this because I coached high school soccer for five years and I witnessed firsthand the young men we were sending into the world who were unprepared to do the things men ought to be able to do. Many of them had absentee or no fathers, and some had fathers that were victims of the same modern world that is turning out nothing but male versions of the human species.
The men of recent yesterday, like the men who crossed the field at Gettysburg, led their families through the great depression, or stormed the beaches in WW II, are mostly a thing of the past. Fathers, teachers, coaches, and mentors should challenge our young men to — as Frederick Russell Burnham inspired Jeff Cooper to write — “…ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth.”
I’d strongly suggest that you watch this video with Richard Cawood, who mostly became a man at 16 in the South African bush not all that long ago. He came home on holiday from school in the Eastern Cape and joined his friend to participate in a grueling six week ritual known as Makwetha with the Xhosa tribe. I hunted with Richard in the Eastern Cape last week, had the privilege of hearing his story, and he has my upmost respect. It is an honor to — with his blessing — share his story with you.
I’m not suggesting we model a modern right of passage after Richard’s experience, but I do believe our young men — and society — could benefit from boys who are forged into men as opposed to being given that status by just obtaining a piece of paper and their age. Masculinity is a dying thing, and with its passage so to will the human race cease to exist.
Metaphorically, a young man should face the buffalo. If he can learn to exhibit courage, action, and resilience — on demand — he and the world he lives in will be better for it.
Gunwriter Chronicles, 2024 Episode 9
Finding Manhood, the African Way