Skills Every Man Should Know

According to Popular Mechanics Magazine, men are losing their skills. Every man, according to this articles, should know how to do the following tasks:

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who as capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid

15. Get a car unstuck16. Back up data

17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil andfilter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

OK, so fair enough, people do seem to be losing their drive to learn how to cope with day to day situations. Many of my friends, for instance, have no idea how to change a tire (I learned after running over a brick the first day I got my license).

But 25 skills every MAN should know?

I just don't know where to begin!

First off, woman are just as capable to learn such the above mention skills as men and some perform many of these tasks on a daily basis. The article is sexist and outdated. Duh.

But then there is the assumption that the ability to complete these tasks is essential to one's masculinity. Is a guy who lacks these skills not a man? While some of the listed items are definitely important, they do not apply to everyone (not everyone, for example can afford a high definition television or wants to use a gun, for instance).

Furthermore, what does the list leave out? Once the man fillets a fish, how does he cook it? Does his wife cook it? What if he is gay? OK, I know that is going a little of topic, but seriously, there are very few mentions of anything involving basic needs in the article- necessities that mens' female (heteronomativity anyone?) significant others should supposedly provide.

I am not saying that many of these skills are not important. I would like to know how to fix a dead outlet, for example. And (hopefully) this article was supposed to be a little tongue in cheek.

But come on. Necessary DIY skills extend far beyond rifle maintenance.