STRIP FOR Jun 2, 2001

"It's a rather stupid assumption to make that one who doesn't read manuals is somehow stereotypical"

The 'guy-who-doesn't-read-directions' is already male stereotype whether you like it or not. It doesn't magically cease to being a known stereotype to the status quo just because you think the action is justifiable on a personal level.

Now, granted, I have to check the manual to see where to plug all of the wires into a motherboard, for instance, but only because pinouts aren't clearly labeled on the board. But most computer manuals are full of overly basic drivel about plugging the thing in and finding the power and reset buttons. I certainly don't define myself using Larry the cable guy, and in fact have rarely seen him perform. It's a rather stupid assumption to make that one who doesn't read manuals is somehow stereotypical. Keep your stereotypes to yourselves.

RTFM is the most valuable lesson any engineer can learn

The counter-productive refusal to read directions is not a sign of masculinity. It's a sign of being a moron. It's bad enough that women are letting Larry the Cable Guy define "man" for them; it's beyond pathetic when men do the same.