Western Masculinity Essay

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, masculinity is “the assemblage of qualities regarded as characteristic of men.” Yet when people think of the word, a more abstract concept comes to mind. Masculinity has come to be defined as an impassive, strong, brave man, often described as a “real man.” Although masculinity is, by definition, the qualities associated with being male, in the popular imagination, it has come to signify bravery, toughness, and an impassive demeanor. Popular culture has contributed greatly to the perceptions of masculinity in our society. Throughout the history of American media, male characters have exemplified certain traits. The stern, impossible to scare cowboys John Wayne played time and time again not only

It has similar attached ideas, although they tend to be on opposite sides. While masculinity is firm and unbending, femininity is gentle and compromising. The word femininity calls to mind images of Mary Poppins caring for the Banks children, or a proper lady having tea, like the ones on Downtown Abbey. The contrast between the words is directly related to the popular societal perception of gender, and the ways people express gender in their individual lives. These perceptions have existed in America, and in the Western World, for centuries, and though some challenge them, they remain

These characteristics are relative to the society in which a person lives. There are common factors that define masculinity- anatomical maleness and strength which is on average greater than that of females, for example. Yet masculinity as defined by American standards is not universal. In England, men are freer to be affectionate and open with their feelings. In some cultures, there are matriarchal familial and societal structures, instead of patriarchal. The traits of masculinity which are defined by American perception are not universal, and are a result of the media and ideologies that are common in our