Documentaries Tough Guys Summary

When we talk about masculinity in America today we theorize that violence that happens more often than we like, from mass shootings or crime in general, including rape and murders in the real world and in the virtual thrill world of videogames and movies we find a parallel connection of masculinity as violent. Even though an overwhelming majority of violence is committed by men and boys we as americans rarely connect gender as a major key in violence. But when we lay out the plane lines about culture of violence were almost always hinting that it is a masculine trait that is a taught behavior. The modern society has conjured up the idea of the ideal man, that showing emotions is wrong but one must be charming, seeming smartish but more of an attitude of control showing that manhood has a hierarchy. Weakening the not so tough guy, society giving them labels to show they are outside of the gender binary.

It also needs to be acknowledged that sexism against men is also prevalent, but on a smaller scale than women. With sexism against men being overlooked, because men are supposed to be seen as emotionless or suspend their feelings altogether to be seen with a stronger trait of masculinity. This close-minded view not only hurts men, but it also opens the possibility of hurting women in the process. For example, an average woman might want to find an attractive guy, who fits the stereotype of what it means to be masculine or who exudes machismo. Potentially, this might reinforce the idea of sexism unto boys, thus manliness being a byproduct of sexism; which can also, apply for what it means to be a woman as well.

Upwards of 90% of women are displeased with their bodies and shift towards dieting to achieve their preferred body shape. From ancient times to modern day, societies have created ideals for individuals to strive to achieve, and George Orwell’s classic novel, 1984, is no exception. The government in the novel requires conformity among its population and manipulates its citizens to believe that an individual can only succeed if he/she follows the official rules set by the leaders of the society. In modern society, popular media depicts a perfect woman, for example, as thin and beautiful. From stereotypes to body image, the publishing and entertainment industries offer an image of perfection that makes us believe if we are not their definition

History has repeatedly given men privilege due to their physical advantages; yet it is these same advantages that have developed into “rules” or expectations that all men should conform to in order to prove their manhood. Michael Kimmel’s essay, “‘Bros Before Hos': The Guy Code” outlines the “rules” where men are expected to never show any emotions, be brave, act knowledgeable, be risk takers, be in control, act reliable, and be competitive, otherwise they would be showing weakness which is analogous to women. It is humiliating that men associate weakness with women; they should focus on the potential of the individual rather than their gender. Most insults toward men attack their masculinity because society finds it shameful for men to be

Over time, the thought patterns of many individuals mould to believe only one perception of what is morally acceptable— a perception that is completely faulty. The ideology of the male body and demeanor is only one of the many societal norms constructed by the media, and it alone can result in mental health fatalities, mass violence, or the mere elimination of self-identity whilst attempting to meet the ever-changing ideals of masculinity. The continuous and stereotypical depiction of masculinity in the media has idealized invulnerability, toughness and physical strength as the sole qualities of a ‘true man’. As a result, the complexity of masculinity is flattened, and immense pressures are placed on individuals to meet requirements that are entirely faulty. According to Katz, cultures, topics, and even genders are not one-dimensional; in order to fully comprehend the meaning the entirety of something, one must look at more than its representation in the media.

Women who aspire to possess a quintessential figure, an hourglass body shape or appear like a gorgeous celebrity may be in constant search for products or programs that supposedly will enable them to achieve their dreams. Beyonce, Scarlett Johannson and Kim Kardashian are perfect examples of celebrities with gorgeous figures. The masses aspire to mimic them. Large busts, small waists and curvy hips are an attraction for men and women all over the world. Achieving such a figure takes extreme effort, this may involve diets and exercise that are time consuming and in some cases ineffective.

According to Judith Butler, masculinity comes from sports (football) and other culturally influenced activities. She states that biologically a man is a man, however a man is taught how to act through activities. For example, Butler used football saying “teaches men, both young and old, how to act like men, and women, both young and old, what to expect from them” (McBride 130).

“47% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures.” Says Michael Levine(3). Society has a negative effect on body image. Naturally, Society’s image of a perfect body is unreal and unnatural. All of the expectations can cause eating disorders and mental disorders.

Masculinity and Gender Roles Negative characteristics are often associated with masculinity. History suggests that cultural beliefs have developed characteristics which define gender roles among male and female. As a result of previous expectations among male roles negative characteristics were developed. Cultural beliefs are “predominant beliefs in a culture about right and wrong, what is most important in life, and how life should be lived” (Arnett, 2013, p. 95). In the movie

20 points • Does the media make assumptions about what men/boys like and how they (should) behave? Are there similar assumptions made about women/girls? How is this demonstrated? 10 points Masculinity has been shown in the media throughout the time everywhere including media. Television in general usually teach us that men are the ones who are strong, credible and also

Body image has become such a big issue among society especially females mostly. According to Mariana Gozalo, states “Using Will’s sociological imagination, I thought about how there are girls who wish to look skinny because it is what is being idolized on TV and magazines and online ads. “Social media make us believe that there is a “ideal body” shape. In my opinion, there is no such a thing as the ideal body shape, because everyone is beautiful in their own individual way.

It is the same for males and females. Sometimes, we are lost in stereotypes when we concern masculinity and felinity. Women are not as strong as men; women should be submissive and obey their husbands; men should be tough and never cry; men are always the center and top. But as we known, there are women who are more capable than men, and there are men are emotional and cry. Who defines "masculinity" and "feminity"?

The emphasis for a girls ideal body to be perfect, thin, but curvy at the same time affects women emotionally and causes them feelings of, body dissatisfaction, can cause eating disorders, and major psychological issues.

Masculinity (also called boyhood, manliness or manhood) is a set of attributes, behaviors and roles generally associated with boys and men. But the culture doesn’t end at the definition, it starts from there. The first thing to come to mind when the word masculinity is heard is usually a man flexing his gigantic muscles, as the word might sound to suggest, and that right there is the current culture of masculinity because sadly, in the world we live in, not everyone has a “muscular body”. So far we know the concept of masculinity, but the culture is what is truly hampering.

Representations of masculinity in films serve a dual purpose: they reveal forms of masculinity present in culture while simultaneously playing a part