I have found myself thinking the same negative thoughts about defining men but that has changed with age and definitely reassured after reading this chapter.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Modern masculinity: does modern make it right?
In chapter 8 of Gauntlett, Callaghan questions, " are babes, cars, sports, and a few fancy bags all we're interested in?" (Pg 169) This specific sentence stood out to me because unlike woman who are told beauty and body is beautiful and womanly, men are being told it is the materials they posses that makes them men. Or if they don't watch sports they aren't a real man. This is something I see everyday in my life and the interactions I do and do not have with men. I know many men who feel that if they have the newest Jordan's, names brand shirts they saw in the last music video, nice cars, and can get material as well as distribute they are a real man. I had a specific relationship with a man where all he did was buy things. Not even just things but socially "manly" things such as, newest muscle car, high technology gadgets, and clothing. While this was nice for him and might have made him happy it is not what a woman considers manly. I don't know about Ny other women out there but I want a man that gives me intellectual stimulation, who loves the Lord, and the things he buys are simple things that bring simple joy because of his feelings not because of society. In terms of sports my brother in law is a special forces green beret. For a lack of better words he is a bad ass dude! He is a real life action hero. He does not watch sports at all! None! Doesn't even watch tv. He reads! Yet I have heard some males make comments to him about how unmanly he is, and questioning of his manly hood and masculinity. Is that what it comes down too? Is this military hero, modern day action hero who puts his life on the line every day unmanly because he would rather read and save a life amongst dangerous environments than hit a baseball or shoot a three pointer? Does this story change your stereotype? Is there any situations similar that have changed your own personal opinion?
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Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about wanting a man that is able to give a woman intellectual stimulation. It's not always about the fancy cars and name brand clothes. Those materialistic things do not determine a man's masculinity. Also interesting reading about your brother-in-law. He definitely challenges the typical male stereotypes. It's sad that just because he doesn't fit these stereotypes, his masculinity is often questioned. Maybe one day society will change it's views of what are considered masculine traits.