Discussion Post: Masculinity
Activity Instructions:
"Men are every bit as gendered as women...The argument that 'boys will be boys' actually carries the profoundly anti-male implication that we should expect bad behavior from boys and men." ~ Jackson Katz
"Man up. What a cleverly disguised way to say shut up. Shut up, or fight back, or you deserved what you got." ~Riley Redgate
Part I
Much of the contemporary discussion about gender seems to focus on women, but men are also influenced dramatically by gender ideology and the social constructions of gender. Discuss the following after completing the reading and video:
1) We have likely all heard some variation of the phrase "there are 'real men' and then there are all other men". Please explain what you think is meant by this statement. What are some of the social norms of masculinity and how do they relate to this statement?
2) How are the ideas and "societal rules" for masculine behavior enforced in society? What is the role of the "Act Like a Man Box" in policing masculinity?
3) What is at least one aspect or moment in The Mask You Live In that resounded the most with you? Which statements or facts did you shocking or interesting?
4) How does everything you have discussed regarding masculinity so far relate the concept of "masks" discussed in the film? What impact do you think this has?
Part II
Respond to at least one classmate by relating their discussion to examples from the reading and videos.
1) What are the consequences for men, as well as for women, nonbinary/trans folx and society as a whole, of upholding the social norms of masculinity your classmate discussed ?
2) How might the ideas about masculine constructs in your classmate's post contribute to gendered health outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic? (in other words, what about masculinity and expectations of masculine behavior may be contributing to higher infection and death rates for men?)
3) Finally, how do you think we can set new "rules" about what it means to be a successful man? What qualities or practices come to mind when you think about expanding what it means to be a man in our culture? Be as specific as you can and think about actions we can take as a school/community/parents/friends/siblings/partners/teachers/coaches etc.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.