Well, ladies and gentlemen – it’s official. I’m a Rebel now.
Maybe not in the traditional sense of the word – you know, the Fonzie looking dude in the leather jacket or the James Dean character without a care in the world, flipping the bird to society. But I’m most definitely a Rebel.
In high school I was the quiet kid. I didn’t have a ton of close friends but the ones I did have were awesome and I got along with just about everyone. The Rebels were the outcasts of my school. They were the motor-heads, skater punks, band geeks and, yes, even the science club nerds. They did what they wanted to do, not because they thought it was cool or ‘in’ but because it was authentically them. I’ve always admired Rebels and their ability to go distinctly against the grain, even if it wasn’t what everyone else was doing at the time. I hoped that one day I’d be a rebel too and finally that time as come.
Well, that time has come for me and it’s time to make the all-call to men out there as well.
To me, the term Rebel no longer just symbolizes the Fonzie or James Dean character in a leather jacket. The Rebel without a cause was so last century. The new Rebel is much more refined and focused than that. The new Rebel stands up for what he believes in and makes an attempt to kick the current social trends because he knows they don’t represent him the way he deserves to be represented. The new Rebel is a Rebel WITH a cause, whatever that cause may be.
At least that’s how I picture a Rebel in more modern times and apparently, I’m not the only one…
Enter: Rebel Magazine
Not all that long ago I received a Tweet from the editor of a fairly new up-start magazine called Rebel Magazine. Something (although, I’m still not sure what exactly) he saw on this site caught his attention and he thought I’d make a nice fit with the message and theme of their magazine. I think Rebel puts it best in their ‘About Rebel‘ section.
SO WHO IS A REBEL?
Rebel Magazine Website
Rebel represents our antithetical position on popular culture and the message it has been selling men for generations. Culture says a rebel is a man defined by independence, personal achievement, sexual conquests and/or economic success. Our definition of a Rebel is slightly different. We believe a Rebel is a man of character, defined by humility, dedicated to service and wholly committed to a cause greater than himself.
Rebel features one man each month – a “Rebel With a Cause” – that is doing something extraordinary to impact the lives of others. Our featured Rebel’s can come from the world of philanthropy, business, sports, politics, entertainment and more.
We hope through our publication, online community and outreach initiatives to in some small way help men become “better” men; better husbands, fathers, friends and/or leaders in their community. We hope by showcasing “Rebels” who are making a difference – that others will recognize they too have the power to instill change.
I like their definition – no, I love it and I’d like more men to live by their definition as well. That’s why, when Editor in Chief Ron Matjeko asked me if I’d contribute a piece for their latest issue I jumped at the chance. Rebel Magazine isn’t a traditional men’s lifestyle magazine and it makes no apologies, either.
Rebel tends to focus on stories with a little more cognitive, philanthropic or sensitive side. They make you think a little longer, feel a little deeper and engage you a little differently than a normal “men’s” magazine would and I like that.
A lot.
Rebel Magazine – March/April Issue
Speaking Without Saying a Word Article - Rebel Magazine
As I mentioned, I contributed a piece to the March/April issue titled, “Speaking Without Saying a Word – Talking with your child is only the first step“. Each issue of the magazine focuses on a central topic. The topic for this issue was ‘Communication’ with a focus on technology.
My piece centers around the challenges of being a modern-day dad with a young son and how technology can both inhibit and help the communication channels available to us. I have to say, the article turned out even better than I expected and I hope you get a chance to take a look. If you’re up for a different type of men’s lifestyle magazine you may want to consider subscribing as well.
It’s only $19.95 for the year. Yeah, I subscribed.
Calling All Dad Bloggers!
I believe in this magazine, its message and its content and I’d like others to help grow it as well. Rebel is poised for a break-out year after a huge redesign of their website was just completed and their print magazine starts to gain traction in the market and recognition in the industry.
Rebel is looking for content, for both their in-print and online magazines so if you’re a dad blogger, you’re a rebel and you’d like to contribute, drop me a line using my contact form and I’ll send you their contact information.
There Are Currently 5 Comments on this Post
It seems like a very interesting magazine. Being a rebel against something bad is not bad.
If the meaning of rebel is somebody doing something awesome to impact the lives of others, then I want to be a rebel.
Looks like it’s going to be a pretty cool magazine, maybe like a version of Maxim for all the single dads that are out there.
Very cool. Sounds like they might be on to something interesting.
Jack recently posted..Yoda’s Life Lessons For Business & Raising Children
Hey Jack – you should reach out to the editor as well. I’ll pass along his contact information if you’re interested.