Masculinity as Homophobia by Michael S. Kimmel - 1532 Words

As with a great majority of men in the world today, it is easier for me to give hugs than to accept them. This is not my own doing, but rather centuries of men before myself being taught that the outward expression of emotion, in any facet, was a direct form of weakness. This has led to adverse affects in regards to a new generation of man that I find myself apart of now. This belief has forged a lack of sentiment within men, all in the name of â€Å"being a man.† Do not take it the wrong way, as if to say a lack of compassion is a bad thing, they teach young men. It is actually the contrary in a growing market economy. As we shift to a more global marketplace, empathy of any sort is the cog in the wheel that holds a man back in an attempt to†¦show more content†¦Men are all putting on a mask, in an attempt to hide their true selves from other males. Kimmel suggest that society begins to use politics of inclusion or that the definition of manhood be widened to help en d the gender struggle. For good or for worse, young boys have continuously been shaped in history to suppress any femininity. Yes, centuries ago this was a very helpful trait seeing how wars were being waged and exploration was at its height, but like anything times have changed. Increases in feminist and LGBTQ movements have given men the ability to fully embrace who they really are, yet times have not caught up to this fact. Men continue to put on a faà §ade for one another that inhibit them. Behind closed doors, men are fully able to embrace their true selves, but the moment they are confronted with other males, the battle of machismo begins: If I catch any one man, and hes alone, I get along fine with him. But just let two of the guys get together an you wont talk. Jus nothing but mad†¦. Youre all scared of each other, thats what. Ever one of yous scared the rest is goin to get something on you (Steinbeck). There is a constant unspoken â€Å"battle of brawn† being waged by men in society. It is what causes us to have to get the fastest car or the cutest girl. There is always room to do better thanShow MoreRelatedMasculinity As Homophobia By Michael S. Kimmel898 Words   |  4 Pagesthat generation proceeded to teach their children the same thing. Although many views have changed, homophobia is still a big issue in society, no matter whom it is learned from. Essay 4 in The Matrix Reader â€Å"Masculinity as Homophobia† by Michael S. Kimmel explains the definition of manhood and how it has helped to create the concept of homophobia in a societal sense rather than a scientific one. Kimmel states that â€Å"Manhood is neither static nor timeless; it is historical,† and â€Å"†¦not the manifestationRead MoreHomophobia in Society1323 Words   |  6 PagesExplain and critique masculinity as homophobia. 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Read MoreModern Day American Society By Aaron Devor s Bros Before Hos : The Guy Code ``1635 Words   |  7 PagesMeanings of Gender,† and Michael Kimmel’s â€Å"Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code,† both argue that the gender hierarchy America has been built upon is the product of socialization. Devor s essay, written more like a research paper, focuses on explaining the origins of the gender myth through well-researched scientific evidence and logos. To reflect his writing style, he mainly talks about the physical effects this has had on male and female characteristics. In his essay, Kimmel talks about The Bro CodeRead MoreMasculinity And Masculinity, By Michael Kimmel Essay1976 Words   |  8 Pagesmen are often subject to extreme methods of proving their masculinity, and to reinfor ce what it truly means to be a man. 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There are frank discussions and sometimes-graphic footage related to sexuality, homophobia, sexism, pornographyRead MoreSexuality is Socially Constructed Essay1885 Words   |  8 Pagesreproductive organs he/she possesses at birth. The gender one is expected to align themselves with is the one that tends to follow the established social guidelines for their sex. Thus, a male is one with a penis who, as Michael S. Kimmel relates in his article â€Å"Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame, and Silence in the Construction of Gender Identity,† is given power, wealth, and status in society, who must â€Å"never do anything that remotely suggests femininity,† who does not show emotions, and who â€Å"exudes