If I were to ask the average Ghanaian man which part of his body he would choose to save in a life-threatening situation, my best guess would be the penis.
Given that the male reproductive organ is crucial for human reproduction and continuity, it is understandable why many men, both locally and globally, prioritize protecting this vital asset.
While the penis is undeniably important, one aspect that seems to garner even more attention is its size.
Over the past decade, observations—both intentional and unintentional—have led me to the conclusion that men have long prided themselves on how well-endowed they are.
In an all-male Senior High School setting, discussions about the penis were among the most frequent topics, alongside girls and sex—not mutually exclusive issues.
You might argue that this focus was due to the all-boys environment, but I beg to differ. The underlying belief was that a man’s worth was linked to his ability to provide “good sex,” which many believed was dependent on penis size.
In the near future, we will examine expert opinions on the role of size in sexual satisfaction.
Reflecting on my high school days, I remember how young boys were preoccupied with the size of their penises. The frequency of debates about who was better endowed was astonishing. Knowing the size of one’s penis was as crucial as knowing one’s age. Any measure of size was referenced in discussions about girls and sex.
Those who were well-endowed took pride in showing off, while those who felt less endowed either exaggerated their size, claimed to be “growers,” or told the truth.
The message being communicated seemed to be that a man’s worth was determined by the size of his penis. To validate one’s manhood, one needed to deliver exceptional pleasure, thereby boosting his ego.
My experiences at the tertiary level echoed similar sentiments.
Living in a communal bathroom for a year, I struggled with the lack of privacy initially. Unlike my reserved nature, which was often mistaken for affluence, I had to adapt to sharing the bathroom with about 12 boys. I quickly learned the best times and places for privacy.
In that large bathroom, boys from all walks of life – colour, shape and size could be found. A prim and proper me just rushed in, finished my business and walked out. But the care-free ones did not mind walking about naked and displaying their God given talent.
Reflecting on this, I noticed that those with smaller penises were less concerned about showing off. They didn’t seem to link their masculinity with their size.
Yet, comments from three roommates in a more upgraded residence with an in-built washroom reinforced the idea that manliness was tied to size. Remarks like “You are a man” from a roommate to another, accompanied by taunts when we got out of bed confirmed this belief.
I believe that manliness encompasses much more than penis size. While the penis is a primary characteristic of a man (or male), true manliness involves responsibilities to oneself and one’s surroundings.
Unfortunately, many young men today still prioritize size over other qualities. This obsession has led some to resort to unapproved methods like pills or creams to enlarge their penises, risking their health.
The societal perception of manliness based on size is not inherent but a result of societal influence. Interviews conducted reveal that many people prefer well-endowed men, based on personal experience or hearsay.
Preferences are valid, but it’s crucial to express them respectfully, without belittling those who may not fit one’s ideal.
Health experts confirm that size is not the only factor in sexual satisfaction. Skill and maneuvering can make a sexual experience memorable, regardless of size.
This article aims to shed light on men’s mental health. Embracing oneself is crucial for building self-confidence and presenting the best version of oneself. Regardless of size, every man is “man enough,” and indeed, all sizes matter.
Below is a video of a group of men asked about the size of their penis and they share more than a number.
About the author; Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey is a multimedia journalist who has worked with some of Ghana’s reputable media houses such as Multimedia Group Limited and The Independent Newspaper (TIGPost).
DISCLAIMER: TIGPost.co will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.