From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 019 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This essay critiques the nature of men’s love and the imbalance in romantic relationships. It argues that true affection is often overshadowed by superficial desires and societal expectations.
The So-Called Love of Men
(Original Title: 所謂男子的愛)
In today’s world, a man’s expressions of love can be dismissed as mere arrogance, a show of power, and selfish gratification. Do women’s affections not possess the same value? What is considered ‘love’ by men merely seems a transaction of trivial desires. Can such a love be deemed genuine? When men look at women, is it with true emotional regard or merely a gaze upon mere appearances? Unwavering faith in love might be misplaced when people act as though they are on a stage, turning their backs on sincerity. Those naive enough to close their eyes to these realities might miss the depth of companionship. This scenario only displays the bare computation of love without its virtue—a common scene in youth, paving the way for hollow beauty revered by those longing for validation.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent