Gender Roles In Tough Guise

Hence the title suggests that being ‘tough’ is a disguise or mask or front that many males define themselves by to gain the respect of others. For the documentary, several young men from different races, ethnicities and backgrounds, were asked what terms are used to describe what “manly” is and what terms are given to those that are not considered “manly.” The response that a “real man” is strong, powerful, respected and tough; then using terms such as “girly,” “bitch,” “queer,” and “fag” to describe someone who was not a “real man”. The importance of bringing attention to the way masculinity is perceived and putting the spotlight on the pressure boys and young men deal with to conform to the mold of what a “real man” is and to be “just one of the

The ability to understand male role models allows for a more intelligent understanding as to why boys act the way they do, and why our conceived notion on what being a boy changes. While examining the movie Boyhood, directed by Richard Linklater, and the entry “Boyhood” by Eric Tribunella, manhood is defined by “the ability to dominate, care for, or exercise power over others”, while “to be a boy means to be flawed, inchoate, or incomplete” (Tribunella). The movie and the entry both enlighten audiences with examples of boyhood and how it changes and shifts from each person. Linklater’s Boyhood follows Mason Jr’s life from 6-18 years old. During this time his mother married three times.

To tell the truth, there are negative effects resulting from the assimilation of people. The ideal melting pot does not have firm legs to stand, nonetheless they are brittle than glass. People are ostracized because of the behaviors, beliefs, and appearance. Young men are in constant check to prove manhood or masculinity by remaining at the top and showing their entitlement to power. The pressure from society causes young men to follow certain rules and regulations in order to be part of society.

They are expected to be strong, to objectify women, and keep their emotions in check. Young boys are evaluated for their masculinity by his father and eventually by peers, bosses and other males; seeking approval from other men, afraid for being exposed as vulnerable, weak, or soft. As an adult, males continue to try to dominate his world, which excludes other groups such as women, non-white men, and homosexuals. “Our fear is “not fear of women but of being ashamed or humiliated in front of other men, or being dominated by stronger men” (Kimmel, 86). American men spend their entire life proving and demonstrating their manhood in order to prove their masculinity of not being like a woman (Kimmel, 86-87).

Boys, as soon as they’re born, are held to certain stereotypical expectations; whether it be emotions, interests, or simply how they act or think, boys are indoctrinated to “act like a man”. David Sedaris’ “Loggerheads” shows excellent examples of these male stereotypes and how they can affect boys, mentally and physically, throughout their entire lives. Not only are young men anticipated to not express or discuss emotions, they’re held to the ridiculous expectation to have the same mainstream interests and hobbies -- sports, cars, video games, and women are just a few examples. If, for whatever reasons, a man is not interested in these specific areas or is overly-emotional, society shuns these men and paints them as being lesser and backward.

In discussing the many facets of masculinity among young men, one key issue has been the correlation it has with several developmental concerns. In Michael Kimmel’s 2008 publication “Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code”, he talks about how men believe manhood is really achieved. More specifically, he talks about “Guy Code”, the universal rulebook that all men must follow if they wish to remain in good standing among their fellow man. These rules are taught as early as their toddler years. According to Kimmel, these seemingly standard ways of thinking could lead to something much worse, and ultimately effect their development.

of Season 9 he is called, “a complex man”, suggesting that their is more to Booth than his appearance. However, he also represents a male who is successful with women, but in chivalrous way. He is a man most women expect to find; a man who can switch from being very manly and athletic a second to being a strong overprotective hero the next. 3. Throughout the television series, Agent Seeley Booth seems like a very confident and cocky man, who would mostly fit the category of a ‘player’ if it wasn’t for his really mature and religious attitudes.

The overall message that Gary Allan is trying to send his listeners is that that men should still be tough and strong, but they must also have a soft spot for their children. Well, this song does highlight some emotional and typically feminine aspect a man have, it should be ignored that some pretty strong stereotypical masculine messages are also being portrayed through this song. The very first line of the song “well I never once back down from a punch” automatically plays into the idea that men are violent. It portrays the idea that men must never back down from physical altercations or they could be seen as less than a man. The artist even shows examples of this during the music video by using men from the military as his focus point.

It explores the often violent cultural stereotypes that influence youngsters, mostly boys, in America. Newsom says that as a culture, the society is pushing men to treat women in a certain way. The Mask You Live In” shows us that many gender traits are solely created by the society and that the images of men that boys receive at home and from television, movies, games and video sport events that give confidence to them to be aloof and unemotional, dominant and to resolve issues with violence. “We want to strengthen that loving is not just a feminine trait,” says Jennifer Siebel. “My son is always grabbing ice or getting Band Aids and taking care of the worn out knees and elbows.

Shakur raps, “Dying inside, but outside you’re looking fearless, while tears, is rollin’ down your cheeks, ya steady hopin’ things don’t fall down this week”. The song displays how young men are forced to develop a hardened lifestyle that suppresses their true emotions due to the standard belief of a man’s strength. Although their struggle is endless and grows heavier, they can only hope that the worst can be prolonged until they are able to adequately resolve the issue. Shakur recites, “And now my son’s gettin’ older and older and cold from havin’ the world on his shoulders”. “Keep Ya Head Up” shows how young men are drained and transformed into toughened men with endless misfortune surrounding their existence.