The world we live in is full of amazing things. Cars, spaceships, cell phones are just a few examples. But the one thing that blows me away is the way culture and society shape human life. There has always been a right way for individuals, and especially men, to behave. Even now, in the 21st century, where things have changed and there is more freedom, men are asked to act in certain ways. The writer Paul Theroux in his essay “Being a man” makes a profound analysis from his point of view on what men are like in America and the factors that influence their behavior. After reading his essay I found myself in the position of questioning whether or not I was a man in his culture. In America men are seen as strong, stupid, rude and self-centered. For many generations now it was thought that people saw them that way. Social media, sports, schools and families are often Americans see this action as a requirement for being a man. If a man doesn't do this there is something very wrong with him. They are the definitive way to demonstrate virility. The writer Theroux says, “To be a drunkard is another, if misplaced, assertion of manhood.” He understood well. In society, this is a fundamental aspect of being a man. Men have to get drunk to express their true feelings because otherwise they would be considered weak. They would qualify to be considered a man, and that's not right. In the end, we just have to ask ourselves what the correct attitude is. Do we really have to follow the behaviors and ideas of others? Do we have to be like this? Is it useful? There is no doubt that in his essay “Being a Man”, Paul Theroux makes the reader reflect on this. Being a man is much more than what society and others think. It is being true to your personal values. Society and cultures are constantly changing, sometimes for the better and sometimes not, but they certainly have a huge impact on the way we do things