The topic of men and masculinity will be discussed for both week 5 and week 6 as it is a subject that is often ignored when learning about gender theories. Most of the importance is often placed on women from a feminist perspective instead of looking at both males and females. Our class also had a presentation on this subject and I will be including relative information from it in my post.
The reading I will be relating to this week is called "Masculinities and Athletic Careers" by Michael Messner. This article highlighted many interesting points in regards to men who play sports and the research behind young boys gaining an interest in the world of athletics.
Messner indicates that earlier studies of masculinity and sports argued that sports socializes men. He states that sports teach young males cultural values, behaviours (such as competition), toughness, etc., which are culturally valued aspects of masculinity. Who determines what "cultural values" are for males and whether or not they are appealing for the masculine population? With that being said, if men don't take an interest in sports, do they immediately deviate from the norm? How is this fair?
In the article, the author insinuates that sports are for men. He uses the excuse that men often take their sons to football or baseball games as a way of bonding or spending time with their male friends. It is important to note that this does NOT make sports a man's activity. Women can have an interest in athletics as well. However, men and women have different ways of showing his or her interest in a particular sporting activity.
During our class presentation, the group showed the class the following YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxyZ71k99zo
The video was called "What if Guys and Girls Switched Roles in the Gym." This video clip was fascinating as it showcased the idea of men and women changing places in terms of working out. For example, the women that were acting like men drank protein shakes, lifted heavy weights, and acted in a very masculine manner. As for the men acting as women, they socialized instead of doing cardio, they participated in yoga, and were showed by the men how to properly lift the dumbbells. Although these examples are popular stereotypes, it was captivating how men and women often appear to the opposite sex.
The last point I will discuss in this post is a topic of conversation that took place during our class presentation: issues that men or boys face. This is often a situation that gets overlooked by the general population. As men are supposed to appear strong, tough, and emotionless, it is often forgotten about that men have feelings too. Many men are taught at a young age to suppress their feelings in front of other individuals. Why is this exactly? Just because men have an ideal they are supposed to abide by does not mean they by any means have to. Women have a ridiculous model we are to follow as well. Neither expectation is realistic or even possible to accommodate as NO ONE is perfect. With that, why do we spend so much time TRYING to be someone we're not? Why can't we just be happy with ourselves and focus on more important aspects in life?
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