This article is all about the masculine role of men, and how to achieve and maintain it in today’s world. In the good old days, it was easy for men to define who they were. Being a man’s man was just expected, anything else was not tolerated. Now the roles of men are a lot more diverse, although many yearn for the past.
Over the past 20 – 30 years expectations have relaxed about the roles of both men and women. There has even been a subtle, yet increasing, role reversal. Women can be pretty and strong while at the same time men are becoming more sensitive. They are still expected to maintain traditional role but also blend them with characteristics of the opposite sex.
In many cases this exchange of roles has gone farther than anyone had imagined it would. There is a greater feminization of masculine culture. Men have been subjected to feminine “pollutants” that have changed the way they conduct themselves and caused them to be more of an emasculated man. Some men are ok with the identity that allows them to be strong and sensitive; others have adopted a new lifestyle called a Metro sexual. It is defined as ‘‘a straight, urban male who is eager to embrace and even show off his feminine side, especially when it comes to expensive haircuts, designer suits, and $40 face cream.’’ All of the definitions that are easily found emphasize that these men have a strong feminine side while still maintaining their heterosexuality.
It is a tradition that men are expected to be well groomed without being overwhelmingly concerned about their looks. When a man takes on the role of Metro sexual, his heterosexuality remains but he is now hip and fashionable, similar to a female diva. The movement also affects the roles of women. Although woman still keep their femininity, their role as an authority figure has changed. In many families the decision maker has become the woman of the house. The modern woman has realized she no longer needs a man to rescue her, she can rescue herself.
To combat his loss of masculinity, there has been a resurgence of what is typically thought of as hard core men’s roles. The following networks and shows are prime examples:
• Man Show
• Spike TV
• Monster Garage
• American Chopper
• Orange County Choppers
Men watch these shows to reaffirm that they still have their masculine side and are still a part of the “brotherhood” of real men. The popularity of motorcycles has been a man’s dream since the days following the war when the GI’s came home. This relates to the belief that being a soldier makes you a real man. The same applies to football games being a strictly man sport. The popularity of motorcycles, fighting, and football are often handed down from father to son and grandfather to grandson.
Another love passed down is the interest in working in the garage. It was and is an escape for men to get away from the feminine articles inside the house and do “real work.” Men could pound hammers and cut up boards, which gives them reassurance about their roles. The garage is a place where all men feel empowered.
The author of this article is torn between the two sides. He likes the traditional role but still wants to embrace his changing role. His comment, “Popular culture is the medium through which men reassert their power via the male gaze wherein women are cast in a sharp focus of sexism.” says it very well. Culture in America is shifting its gender roles and expectations. Society will always continue to progress in some way.
I believe that this article is initially for men, to help them see it is ok to embrace their feminine side, while still staying manly. I also think it is a good read for women, to help them understand what men go through. I like that the extended definition for metro sexual is included because I can’t think of very many men who would go to the trouble of looking it up. The author doesn’t use a lot of specific terms but does mention shows that most men have probably heard of if they aren’t regular viewers, such as American Choppers, Monster Garage, and Spike TV.
I like the way the article is put together, it flows well. The information is easy to understand and has very interesting thoughts and ideas. The main point that stayed in my mind was that it is ok for men to be feminine and that shouldn’t take away from viewing them as being masculine. I have better insight now on why my husband and kids watch these shows and why they are important to them. (Tragos, 2009)
References
Tragos, P. (2009). Monster Masculinity: Honey, I'll Be In The Garage Reasserting My Manhood. The Journal of Popular Culture , 42 (3), pp. 541-553.
