As the LXG enters third year, members look back on growth and forward to future
By Andrew Berigan
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or LXG, started out as a men's group to look at and explore masculinity in today's society. Although we do not don capes or special suits, we do feel that our presence is needed.
Whether we are discussing our recent trials and tribulations or discussing our deepest beliefs, we retain the constant goal of defining masculinity in the modern world and even deciding whether or not it can be defined.
Our system is simple. We invite gentlemen on campus to join LXG at the beginning of each academic year. From there we form groups that will stay together throughout their years at UP and discuss certain themes each year.
The freshman groups discuss who they are and what they believe. This goes beyond mere name and religious affiliation.
Throughout my years with LXG it is easy to say that answering these questions cannot be done in one sitting; rather, these answers develop themselves throughout the time spent with the individual groups.
I know that my definition of self and my exact beliefs have grown over the years and I am confident the members of my group would agree.
The second year encourages the groups to discuss relationships. Whatever the relationship is whether with a girlfriend, a high school classmate or a close grandparent, we explore how these relationships affect us as human beings and how they shape our personal definition of masculinity.
LXG started my freshman year, and our original group has entered its third year. Our topic for this year is overcoming adversity and how we demonstrate resiliency.
Although the year is not over and not all of the stories in my group have been heard, I gained valuable experience and a great deal of knowledge on how to approach topics that I have not dealt with yet but will unfortunately deal with in the future.
Through all the sharing, a bond is formed within the group. We may not be "best friends," but we do have a certain relationship that allows us to share our deepest beliefs.
This fellowship is born out of how the group works. We all have a common goal of exploring what masculinity is today and what stereotypes, positive or negative, are placed on men.
A common one is the unwillingness to open up and talk about "feelings," but in LXG we are working to get rid of that stereotype.
A certain willingness to get over the initial irritability by sharing such deep beliefs and, at times, deep secrets demonstrate the strength the group members have and the trust we have with each other.
As we strive to define true masculinity, we ask ourselves several questions. Who am I? What do I believe? How do I approach relationships? How do I overcome adversity?
With all of these definite questions, we are gaining much insight into the indefinite idea of masculinity. This leads us to believe that true masculinity is indeed something that cannot be defined, but rather exemplified.
Andrew Berigan is a junior mathematics major and a
member of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
