It is important for men in American culture to look and act masculine. In American culture it is the masculine male that is considered strong, virile, and competent; able to handle any situation. Masculine men are promoted in TV advertising, calendars, catalogs, and magazines. “American culture does little more for a man than prepare him for modeling clothes in the L.L. Bean catalogue.”(Theroux 103)Even in today’s culture, it is the masculine man that is predominantly selected to play the leading roles in action films (Taken, Liam Neeson), TV series (NCIS, Mark Harmon), and even reality shows where the man is competing for the woman (The Bachelorette,
http://www.buddytv.com/the-bachelorette.aspx). The American culture has not progressed as far as most would hope and the stereotypical man’s man is still prevalent through out today’s society. “It is no wonder, then, that men lean toward dominance, authority, and control. Deep within them rest an inherent need to sire, or mentor great men who will become the heroes of sons yet unborn” (Davis 2002). A majority of American women are attracted to masculine looking and acting men; therefore, it is important to the men of American culture to look and act masculine in order to find a suitable mate. It is evident that in order for a man in American culture to be successful in business and family, he must act and look masculine.
Example of expected masculine looks for Heros:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FggSxfP0DSg&feature=relatedWorks cited:
Davis, Robert G. "Understanding Manhood in America:The Elusive Quest for the Ideal in Masculinity." Heredom 102002 9. Web.22 Jul 2009.
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Carroll, Bret E. Passionate Manhood. Google Books, 2009. Print.
Gillespi, Sheena. Across Cultures. Seventh. New York: Pearson Eduction, Inc, 2008. Print.
I agree with what you have to say about men in society being the dominant sex and also feeling as though they have to be masculine, attractive and successful. The way media displays men is indeed always an attractive man with a dominant/strong demeanor. Although, I do not necessarily agree with your last sentence. I do not think in order to be successful in business and in family life that you HAVE to be masculine unless they are in modeling or acting, but not for the every day, real life man. I think it defiantly does not hurt and may even help you get somewhere in life, but I do not think that it is something a man HAS to have.
ReplyDeleteI think that women like men that are dominate and are masculine. So it is important for men to portray this image. It relates way back in time. men are naturally stronger and should to be there to protect women. It is just the way of life and no matter how much a woman tries to be equal or men try to be less masculine. Statistically avg men are stronger and more dominate than ave women.
ReplyDeleteI think you could compare this issue to the issue of womans image. Today woman have the stereotypical image of being really skinny as the same with men should be masculine and handsome. This provides problems with our youth today because they have to live up to these standards when in fact they do NOT
ReplyDeleteAs far as the last statement, I have witnessed that masculine men are promoted in business far quicker than non-masculine men. I wish it wasn't true, but it is. I have witnessed the difference in how employees respond as well. We have one production manager that is masculine and the employees take what he says seriously, while the other one is ignored and told no. Is it right? No, but it is what it is. I have witnessed it over and over again through out my 28 years in the work place.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that you have to say in this. I admit that when I turn on the television and see these beefed up men in great shape, I am a little intimidated and somewhat jealous (being a little out of shape myself). I am comfortable with the way that I present myself though and I don't think that I get treated any differently for it. Ginger, it's a shame that that's how it is in your workplace though. I would hate to be the other production manager and being treated that way.
ReplyDeleteI found this paragraph very interesting and informative. I always hear about the pressures of women to be skinny and look good. Maybe it's just how I was raised, but I haven't really ever had these pressures. I've always been big into sports. It's how good you are and how you play the game that gets you respect. Just look at Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox or Tim Lincecum of the giants. They are both rather small, but are dominant at baseball, so no one cares.
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest, that overly masculine guy thing has never been very attractive to me. It seems almost fake to me, like they want and strive to be those action movie heros, which is so far from reality. I have always thought that real men can show their feelings.
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