I never feel emasculated whenever I use my tripod for the things I use it for. I think it symbolizes a desire for perfection or something close to it. In fact, IMO it seems to make people hold you in a higher regard, i.e. you look more professional.
And regarding "Get on down an boogie," they can either:
"Get their groove on",
"Back that thang up", or
"Drop it like it's hot"
: )