Examples Of Masculinity In Slim's Table

In Slim’s Table, Mitchell Dunier claims that the men in Valois resist the stereotype of what it means to be a working class black man in Chicago through their dissociation with ghetto-specific masculinity. This has to do with “strong overt concerns with sexual exploits, toughness and ability to command respect, personal appearance with an emphasis on male clothing fashions, liquor consumption and verbal ability” (Dunier. p. 46). The first example of their resistance to ghetto-specific masculinity is through their respect for women. In chapter two, Jackson’s pride is hurt because he is associated with the men in his complex who whistle at girls who walk by.
Jackson feels shameful because whistling at women is imprudent and rude, which Jackson

Another way the men at Valois show respect toward women is through their willingness to show personal weakness. The stereotypical black man is seen as an exploiter who sees women as sexual objects. In contrast, the men at Valois share their vulnerabilities with women and their struggles of dominance in relationships. Ozzie, for example, shares that he had difficulty in a relationship in which he dated a women who had a drug and alcohol problem as well as many different men and children (Dunier, p. 44). Ozzie is honest with his feelings and willing to discuss personal struggles with dominance with the other sex. This is contrary to the stereotypical black man because these men would notebly show their toughness and hide insecurities from others. Lastly, the men at Valois resist the ghetto-specific masculinity through friendship in one another. The stereotype for black men is that they must be independent and a
Rebekah Francisco lone ranger. However, the men at Valois show that they overcome their struggles through the kinship in one another. When they showed their vulnerabilities, the other men do not show any sign degradation or disrespect, but as openness and genuineness. Instead of seeing

The perfection they strove for controlled every detail of their daily lives, including their appearance of themselves, their families, their houses, the way they acted and the activities they participated in. Ross explains that “the media corporations do a much more efficient job than government institutions of managing the emotions, aspirations and disquiets of large populations” (Ross. Ch. 13). This can be applied to Americans today and their consumption of mass media. The media controls many aspects of our daily lives including influencing our ideas of politics, worldviews, religion, body image, fashion, relationships and activities. Just like Celebrationites, Americans are constantly checking whether they fit the media’s image of a perfect, likeable citizen who succeeds with a breeze, making it seem much easier than it seems. Another significant aspect of Ross’s book is the emphasis on giving the impression as if you are upper-middle class to the outside world. The developers of Celebration created the town with a family-oriented, happy, no problem life in mind, where the houses and landscape looked affluent and valuable. The houses were expensive,
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