The New York Daily News, long known for its thoughtful commentary on contemporary literature, has published a piece by Brian McGackin (author of the forthcoming opus Broetry), about the lack of manliness in contemporary fiction. He posits that because our male writers aren’t manly enough (his qualifications being fighting in a war, boozing, or beating women), the male readership has fled to warmer climes like Sportscenter or Hip-Hop. While such total bullshit seems below comment, I would like to list below a few male writers who could probably KICK BRIAN MCGACKIN’S ASS.
Philipp Meyer – Rust Belt brawler and chronicler, product of Baltimore public schools….AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
Mat Johnson– Excels in multiple forms like comics, blogs, novels, while deftly dealing with issues of contemporary American identity….AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
Darin Strauss- Lyrical fiction and memoir, tall like a motherfucker….AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
Karl Marlantes- Actually fought in a war, won a bunch of medals, writes about grace and facing your impending death on a hill….AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
Teju Cole- Wanders seriously through Manhattan, looking deep into where we derive meaning, how to be alive is to be both original and reflection…AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
And for good measure, Brian….
Karen Russell- Writes about wrestling alligators, birds that devour the crew of a ship, and packs of wild girls…AND COULD PROBABLY KICK HIS ASS.
Who else could probably kick his ass?
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