Constructing Masculinity and Feminity

MASCULINITY

We have been watching a video about how males learn to think about what it means to be a man. This video is called Tough Guise. In other words, the disguise to seem tough that guys put on. After watching this video, I hope you see the larger dynamic of what is going on here. Masculinity is a mask that many men wear in America. It is a way of validating their self worth. Men in America are shaped by a culture that reinforces the idea that toughness, violence and aggression are normal ways of being male. This creates a culture where overwhelmingly males are violent compared to females. Have you experienced this mask of masculinity? How? What are some other ways our culture should be constructing masculinity to provide validation for guys who are not violent? Are there examples out there that you know about?


Here are some examples of how Disney constructs masculinity:


This next video is called everyday guy, which is a humorous rap about being a regular guy - the average guy that the media neglects.








Why is being a "regular guy" so funny? Because our notions of what is acceptable to be a "real man" is so messed up. So, what is your definition of a real man? Let me give some examples of what a male friend of mine has suggested that a real man should be:
A real man...
is able to wake up in the middle of the night to comfort a crying baby
restrains emotions of anger
allows someone else to save face even if it makes him look bad
is not concerned with who gets the credit
is able to empathize
says sorry when he is at fault
can ask for help when he needs it
forgives someone who wrongs him
is not afraid to say is hurt, vulnerable, or that he cares

FEMININITY

We also watched the video "Killing Us Softly 3" and examined the many ways advertisers contribute to the socialization of women and girls into having low self-esteem based on unreasonable standards of beauty, and limited definitions of success and power. Fortunately there are some resources out there attempting to combat these destructive messages. For example Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty

Includes some short films and lots of resources for girls and their families Watch 3 of their videos : "Evolution" "Onslaught" and "Amy" at this link. (You may have to use the drop down menu)

Here are examples of offensive ads from the NOW Foundation. These ads generally portray women as nothing more than sex objects.

and

Here are some examples of positive Ads from the NOW foundation

similarly, you can see examples of positive and negative media images at this website:

About face

And a wonderfully positive place for girls on the web:
New Moon